Tensions in the Thai capital Bangkok increased Wednesday, following a more than three hour clash between the military and Red Shirt protestors from mid-afternoon onwards after a convoy of 100 vehicles and motorbikes transporting some 2,000 people pulled up in front of army barricades in the suburbs of Bangkok.

When protestors attempted to breach the barbed wire, troops opened fire using rubber bullets. At least 18 protestors were wounded. One soldier also died from a gunshot wound to the head. Initial reports said the soldier's death appeared to be from friendly fire during the clash.

The violence on Viphavadee Road, 30 kilometers from Bangkok, followed warnings by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva that the protestors would be prevented from leaving their existing location in the commercial area of Rajaprasong.

Fresh offer for talks

Major Pankrawee Sangmitr said the joint police and army operation had taken more than three hours. "Now the armed forces control the Viphavadee Road because they have demonstration on the road."

The anti-government United Democratic Front against Dictatorship (UDD) wants Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to resign and call elections immediately, a demand the government rejects. However, Buranuj Sumatharak, a spokesman for the governing Democrat Party, says the government is willing to hold fresh talks, provided there is no further violence.

Sumatharak says keeping the public safe is important "and we're confident that we can restore law and order in the country. The government is also open to negotiations so long as it is not done amid the use of violence by the groups affiliated with the demonstrators."

Tension mounting

But Kudeb Saikrajang from the oppostion Puea Thai Party which supports the Red Shirts, says there are mounting fears that more violence will occur. "We have expected some kind of violence for sometime because we know the government is trying to buy time, waiting for time when people cannot stand any more and then there will be a kind of melee like that today."

The offer of talks followed a speech by King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Monday to new judges. He called on the judges to work honestly to ensure the country remained orderly. He made no direct reference to the political crisis.

UDD charged with conspiracy

The government overnight charged the UDD of a engaging in a conspiracy to undermine the monarchy. But the UDD denies the accusation.

Increasing numbers of people are now being drawn to pro-government rallies, largely urban middle class and supporters of the Thai monarchy. This comes after six weeks of Red Shirt rallies that have increasingly paralysed Bangkok city's economy and business.

Amnat Ngamturiodo, a government supporter, says he feared deepening divisions within the community. He says, "right now our Thai (nation is) breaking into groups and they have a lot of different ideas and they did not listen to each other so it is taking time for us to calm down and set up the (new) parliament."

On Monday anti-government protesters began blocking roads in Thailand's provinces, to prevent police and Thai security forces from moving to Bangkok. This in turn is raising fears that the on-going political crisis may spread beyond the capital.

Author: Ron Corben (Bangkok)
Editor: Grahame Lucas