Thai army allowed to fire live rounds in self-defence: PM

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BANGKOK, April 10 | Sat Apr 10, 2010 12:56pm EDT

BANGKOK, April 10 (Reuters) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Saturday the army was only allowed to use live bullets in clashes with "red shirt" protesters "firing into the air and in self-defence".

Thai troops fired mostly rubber bullets and tear gas at thousands of demonstrators, who fought back with guns, grenades and petrol bombs in riots which killed 12 people, including three soldiers, in Bangkok's worst political violence in 18 years.

"I would like to say that the use of live bullets is only allowed in cases of firing into the air and in self-defence," Abhisit said in a televised address, adding that the protesters were also armed.

Abhisit expressed "regret" to the families of the victims and said an investigation would be launched.

"The soldiers have stopped their operation. The protests continue but in such a way that does not interfere with the security forces."

(Writing by Nick Macfie; Reporting by Ambika Ahuja. Editing by Jason Szep)

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Comments (1)
JohnWood wrote:
Abhisit, Thailand PM ordered military force to fire at red-shirt protesters. At least 9 people dead so far. He’s still refusing to dissolve his illegitimate government. There is a rumour that the army will do a coup in Bangkok tonight.

Apr 10, 2010 1:37pm EDT  --  Report as abuse
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