Thousands of Thai protesters defy deadline to leave

The escalating violence has turned parts of the city into no-go zones as troops use live ammunition against protesters,who have blocked streets with burning tyres and fought back,mainly with homemade weapons.

Protesters were ordered to leave by 1330 IST today. Authorities dropped leaflets from a small plane flying overhead asking people to evacuate the area,which remained calm soon after the deadline passed.

Red Shirts were seen dancing and a Buddhist monk led prayers on the stage inside the rally site,which stretches for several kilometres.

Police estimated 5,000 people remained there despite the threat of forced dispersal by the security forces.

“The operation (to disperse) will be executed as soon as possible,” said Satit Wonghnongtaey,minister attached to the prime minister’s office.

“CRES will explain to the public after the operation is completed,” he told reporters,referring to the government unit set up to deal with the crisis.

“The authorities will do everything possible to inform (the Reds) to leave,including broadcast radio messages,police loudspeaker trucks and leaflets,” Satit said.

Three times on television the government broadcast its warning for the thousands of demonstrators to evacuate their base in the Ratchaprasong upscale retail and hotel district in the heart of the city.

Those who stay face two years in prison,said the broadcast,warning also that their lives are at risk from “terrorist attack” at the rally site.

Thai authorities yesterday said they would send the Red Cross to help evacuate the area of women,children and the elderly who wanted to leave.

But there was no rush to leave the camp where men,children and women — including a breast-feeding mother — remained today.

Major-General Khattiya Sawasdipol,a key Red supporter known as Seh Daeng,died in hospital today as the toll from three days of street violence hit 35 dead,excluding the general,and 244 injured,officials said.

The government has ordered schools not to reopen after summer holidays,and it declared two days of national holidays to keep civilians off the streets.