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)
((alan.raybould@thomsonreuters.com; +66 2648 9721; Reuters Messaging: alan.raybould.reuters.com@reuters.net; )) Keywords: THAILAND ABHISIT/ (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.
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)
((alan.raybould@thomsonreuters.com; +66 2648 9721; Reuters Messaging: alan.raybould.reuters.com@reuters.net; )) Keywords: THAILAND ABHISIT/ (If you have a query or comment on this story, send an email to news.feedback.asia@thomsonreuters.com) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.