Thai troops move into central protest area-witness

BANGKOK, April 13 (Reuters) - Thai troops moved into an area occupied by protesters near Government House in central Bangkok on Monday, a Reuters witness said.

Shots were heard as the troops moved through barriers erected by red-shirted supporters of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, the witness said.

The protesters have been encamped at Government House, where Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has his offices, since March 26. Troops, through loudspeakers, have urged the protesters to leave and said they would guarantee their safety. (Reporting by Chaiwat Subprasom; Editing by Bill Tarrant),