Bangkok (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Hundreds of police in riot gear have threatened confrontation with the anti-government demonstrators, behind the barricades erected to protect the occupied area in downtown Bangkok. However, officers avoided the use of force and, after a couple of hours of tension, retreated. Last night five explosions - took place in quick succession - in the area occupied by the "red shirts" causing three deaths and 75 wounded. From 4 to 7 this afternoon (local time) a “multi-colour” counter-event of citizens who oppose the "red shirts" is being planned.
This morning Thai security force riot squads reached the financial district of Silom, occupied by anti-government protesters. The policemen formed a cordon at a short distance from the barricades - consisting of tires and bamboo - erected by the "red shirts" to protect the "conquered" area in downtown Bangkok.
Officials have ordered protesters to dismantle the barricades. A photographer for Reuters reported that a group of "red shirts" - close to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra in exile and supported by the opposition party United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) - poured gasoline on the tires, threatening to set fire to fence.
A few hours later the police backed off to avoid - for now - confrontation. However, the operation is apparently only postponed. Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, army spokesman confirmed that "the government will take decided measures” and "in the initial phase of operations there could be chaos."
Last night in the capital there were five explosions near the zone occupied by the "red shirts", which caused three deaths and 75 wounded. The Thai medical emergencies service belies the numbers of government and speaks of "one confirmed dead and 85 wounded." The Executive points the finger at "terrorists" who have infiltrated "to create confusion." Protest leaders deny any involvement, stressing that "it is not in our interest to hurt innocent people."
This afternoon, from 4 to 7 pm local time, there will be a “multi-colour” demonstration through the streets of Bangkok against the street demonstrations promoted by the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD), which have paralyzed the capital for weeks. At the end of the manifestation of "civic movement" a press release will be issued addressed to the Government and leaders of the "red shirts".
Meanwhile, Great Britain, USA and Australia are calling on citizens not to travel to Thailand. The escalation of tension has also concerned about the UN secretary general Ban Ki-moon who, through a spokesman, says that is "a time when all parties must use the calm."