The Thai Government on 10 April night assigned Korbsak Sabhavasu, the prime minister's secretary general, to negotiate a truce with the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders, after many soldiers were reported to have been wounded by red-shirts firing guns and throwing bombs.
Controlling Further Casualties
Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd, Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations (CPAES) spokesperson, announced the move in a nationwide television address. He said talks were needed immediately to separate the two sides and end the ongoing clashes, because the situation was heading out of control and there could be further casualties on both sides.
The call for truce came after at least 100 soldiers were reportedly wounded in the clashes with the red-shirts at Khok Wua intersection on Ratchadamnoen Avenue, while trying to advance toward Phan Fa bridge amid fierce resistance by the red-shirted movement leaders.
Attacks Continue
The red-shirted leaders lit a gas cylinder and rolled it toward the soldiers at Khok Wua intersection. The subsequent explosion wounded at least 50 soldiers. At the same time, gunshots were reportedly fired from red-shirted leaders, wounding 50-60 soldiers on Tanao road near Khok Wua intersection.
Hand grenades were also thrown at soldiers who were equipped with only shields, batons and tear gas launchers. Noises of machinegun fire and three M79 grenade explosions were also heard. The soldiers were forced to retreat.
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