Violence in Thailand is escalating Monday although government troops attempted to gain control and restore order to the capital Bangkok.
The whole-day's stand-off and clashes between anti-government "red shirted" protestors and Thai police and soldiers have left more than 70 people injured.
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A burning bus is seen on a street near the Government House in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, on April 13, 2009. [Zhang Fengguo/Xinhua]
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A building in Thailand's education ministry complex has been set ablaze after being hit by petrol bombs. Protestors also seized seven buses and set them on fire in front of the army headquarters, sending flames shooting high into the sky, witnesses said.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on national TV that the protestors had no right to break the law or violate other people's rights. He added that he would not step down under violence threat.
Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban also warned of possible sabotage of "red shirted" people on Monday night.
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Thai army soldiers mass for orders near the Government House in Bangkok, capital of Thailand, April 13, 2009. [Zhang Fengguo/Xinhua]
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In a televised program, Suthep, who is in charge of national security, asked police and soldiers to take action against protesters who break the law.
