The attacks occurred although the Metropolitan Police briefed up security at the mall in anticipation of protests by Thaksin's opponents. The Metropolitan Police deployed 12 policemen from each of eight police stations to keep law and order.

Police in uniform stoodby watching as pro-Thaksin people attacked the protesters. Only some plaincloth police were seen taking the attacked protesters away from the scene.

The attacks occurred after Thaksin sneaked out of the mall by using an elevator at the back. He went to Central World Plaza to chair the opening ceremony of Digital TK Park.

While reporters were following Thaksin out of the shopping mall at the back gate, a group of small protesters ran after them and shouted abuses against the prime minister.

The supporters ran after the protesters, who were outnumbered, and surrounded them. The two sides then engaged in a quarrel and fist-fight.

Police later took two protesters to the Royal Thai Police headquarters nearby.

But several more clashes followed and four men were injured and taken to the Police Hospital nearby.

Senior police officers were heard on police radio ordering policemen at the area to arrest all who engaged in the fights.

Video clips shown on ASTV showed Thaksin's supporters punching and dragging the neck of some protesters.

A supporter was heard shouting at the protesters: "What right do you have to demand him to be out of office?"

"I have the right ...," A protester shouted back, ending his sentence with very rude abuse.

A man was seen shouting "Thaksin get out" repeatedly until a man in black clothes and sunglasses grabbed his neck and pulled him away while a supporter was seen running to hit him.

A 70-year-old man, identified as Itthipol, was seen on TV being stomped on by four or five men until he laid bleeding from his face.

ASTV reported that people started gathering in the evening at the Pathumvan police station to show moral support for some protesters who were arrested and taken there.

On Saturday, the protesters and supporters of Thaksin also clashed in Siam Paragon after the protesters booed Thaksin who went there to open an exhibition to honour His Majesty the King.

The Nation