The FINANCIAL — BANGKOK, At least 77 people were injured in Bangkok following this weekend's clashes between protesters, demanding the premier's resignation, and troops, local media reported on April 13 citing hospital officials.
Protests in Thailand started in March this year after the government allocated 9 million low-paid Thai workers assistance worth $55 each. Protestors called the aid "bribery" and said the cabinet had come to power illegally.
The recent confrontation, which came as the summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations opened in Thailand's resort of Pattaya on April 10, occurred after protesters descended on the venue and Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva was forced to declare a state of emergency.
The 14th meeting of ASEAN leaders, which has already been postponed twice, is due to go ahead in August.
Protesters broke into the Interior Ministry on April 12, but Vejjajiva, who was inside, managed to leave the building in a car. Rioters seized a tank and several armored cars, as well as dozens of buses which they used to block the road near the government building.
Soldiers in Bangkok fired in the air and used tear gas to disperse the red shirts or anti-government protestors. Many of the protesters were injured by the gas, while five were reported seriously hurt. The opposition claimed some of its members suffered from gunshot wounds, the Nation reported.
People living in central Bangkok have been forced to flee their homes during the riots and shops are closed until Wednesday.
Russia's Foreign Ministry on April 12 advised Russian nationals against visiting the capital of Thailand.
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