Canadian Reporter Injured In Bangkok Violence

A Canadian freelance reporter was injured in the chaos in Bangkok Wednesday when the Thai military cracked down on Red Shirt protesters who set the stock exchange, banks and other landmarks on fire.

Red Shirt leaders surrendered to authorities Wednesday, sparking violent riots and looting that sent black clouds of smoke billowing above the Thai capital. The clash followed a two-month protest aimed at forcing Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva’s government to dissolve parliament and call new elections. Since the demonstration began in mid-March 74 people have been killed and nearly 2,000 injured.

Authorities implemented a 10-hour curfew at 8pm following the outbreak of violence. Troops moved in early Wednesday armed with M-16s and opened fire and armored vehicles crashed through protesters’ barricades.

A partial media blackout has also been implemented. Local television stations are also being forced to air government-prepared messages.

Demonstrators answered with grenades and bullets. A Canadian reporter was hit by shrapnel, two other journalists were hurt and an Italian photographer was killed.

By Wednesday afternoon troops had taken control of the protest zone.

Overwhelmed by the military response, Red Shirt leaders surrendered announcing they could no longer stand to see their supporters injured and killed in the fray.

The Red Shirt protesters are largely supporters of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who’s been in exile since he was overthrown in a military coup in 2006.

With files from the Associated Press

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