Thailand: Three Injured in Renewed Anti-Government Clashes as Protests Resume After King's Birthday

Three people have been injured in renewed anti-government clashes in Bangkok, centring on the Finance Ministry and Khok Wua intersection.

The Nation reports that a 46-year-old man suffered a gunshot wound to the arm in a scuffle between the anti-government supporters and security personnel near the Finance Ministry.

The other clash at Khok Wua intersection took place between a gang of motorcyclists and anti-government-demonstrators, as one man suffered a stab wound while the other injured his hand and finger.

More protesters against Yingluck Shinawatra's government are expected to travel from across the country to participate in the Bangkok protests. The protests are set to acquire new dimensions as the pro-government supporters, known as the red shirts, appear likely to join the political battle.

Weng Tojirakarn, a Pheu Thai MP and leader of the red shirts, claimed his group have planned a mass rally in Ayutthaya, 49 miles from Bangkok, on 10 December to support the government. However they have opted not to hold the rally in Bangkok, to avoid confrontation with the anti-government protestors thronging to the city.

Weng said the red shirts will join the battle and "fight to the end" to defend the government against opposition protest leader and former MP Suthep Thaugsuban. He also said that tens of thousands of red shirts will join the pro-government demonstration.

However the anti-government group, also known as the yellow shirts, are not backing off either, as volunteers from different parts of the city, particularly from the south, prepare to travel to Bangkok.

Parallel anti-government rallies will be organized in In Phuket, while a large number of protesters from the island province will join the demonstration in Bangkok, said local protest leader Amnuay Kumban, who added that volunteers are being asked to sign up for the Bangkok protest.

More protesters are also expected to arrive from other southern provinces, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat and Songkhla.

The government's Centre for the Administration of Peace and Order (CAPO) is readying itself for the renewed demonstrations, Interior Minister Charupong Ruangsuwan said.

"We have to prepare for the new moves," added Defence Ministry Secretary General Nipat Thonglek.