Thailand’s anti-government protests spread throughout the capital Bangkok over the weekend, despite a heavy-handed crackdown by the security forces, which has killed at least 29 people and injured more than 230 in the last three days.
The authorities extended a state of emergency to five more provinces yesterday, bringing the total to 22, covering a quarter of the country. Although troops have surrounded and largely isolated the main protest area in the city centre, new rallying points are springing up elsewhere in Bangkok, sparking violent confrontations.
One man was confirmed killed yesterday as soldiers with automatic weapons and shotguns faced protesters. Most “red shirts” were armed with slingshots and home-made rockets, but there is evidence that a small number had assault rifles.