They described the alleged assaults at a news conference at Chandrakasem Rajabhat University organised by an anti-Thaksin group led by economist Sangsit Piriyarangsan.

Yurachat Chatsutthichai - a university student who was photographed as he was punched by some of the prime minister's security staff.

He said he saw a five-year-old child shout out at Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Some of Thaksin's security team arrived soon after, grabbed his arms and punched him. He suspects the bodyguards thought he was the heckler.

The security staff also kicked the child before onlookers came to their aid.

"If it's this cruel in Bangkok, at Siam Paragon, in the heart of the city, in front of the prime minister and the media, what will happen to those disagreeing with the prime minister in remote areas? To be straight, I have begun to fear danger even in the city," he said.

Roong (pseudonym) - a woman described by Thaksin as mentally ill after his foot was stepped upon.

Roong learned Thaksin would open the exhibition at the shopping centre. She wanted to see and touch a billionaire.

She claimed she accidentally stepped on the PM's foot as she was jostled by security.

"I saw him. His skin was so fair it's pale. I wanted to be close to him and touch his hand but security blocked me and made me step on the prime minister's foot. [With respect] I wanted to tell him I didn't mean to step on his foot. And I'm not mentally ill," she said.

Kim (pseudonym) - a 10th grade student.

He was at the event but not participating. He heard someone shout "Thaksin cheats the country". After that, security staff hit him in the head and punched one of his friends.

He alleged that after Thaksin's departure a group of men followed and attacked him and his friend outside a nearby restaurant.

Keng (pseudonym).

He visited Siam Paragon with his wife. He knew none of the others involved. He saw a young man (Kim) attacked and intervened. He claimed shortly after that he was followed by five men who hit him in the face and head.

Kate (pseudonym) - a woman with the child kicked by security staff.

The clash had begun by the time she arrived at the shopping complex. She shouted "Thaksin cheats the country". She was then kicked by others even though she was still holding her child.

She said staff had no right to harm her.

Later she was allegedly followed by five men who fled when she tried to take their picture with her mobile telephone camera.

Phongsri (pseudonym).

She said she was smiling at three children shouting for Thaksin to resign. She heard people shouting "Thaksin fight on" so responded by shouting "Seller of the country".

Security staff approached her and assaulted the nearby children.

Samatcha Hoonsara

The Nation