I was shocked at what happened. This was the first time I had seen such violence up close. It was chaotic. I did not know whose side people were on. I believe future public appearances of outgoing Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will create more violence. The media coverage surely affects Thaksin's image for obviously dividing the country.

iTV reporter Thapani Iadsrichai

I felt bad about the incident. The news footage showed people in conflict and reflected a political crisis that looks likely to turn more violent. It is hard for the media to work in these situations because they may be accused of taking sides. When I'm working in the field, I can see the insecure look in the eyes of public. I really hope that the violence will end.

Reuters reporter Tul Pinkaew

The foreign media was more interested in what happened on Monday than what happened on Saturday at Siam Paragon, where Thaksin was booed and jeered. What happened on Monday showed how state officials used force to suppress protesters. The plainclothes police who assaulted the two men aggravated the situation. There was no valid reason to resort to violence. Protests against country leaders are normal in foreign countries. If Thaksin's personal security officials do not improve the way they treat protesters, the anti-government movement may move against them and the situation will get worse. Thaksin's image will be ruined.

Daily News reporter Narit Permsit

The country is in a strange mood. Why can't Thais show their feelings in a positive way or in a manner that does not go beyond the law - or violates others. I believe if one side stays quiet, situations like this will not occur. What happened was that both sides organised a stand-off. They just wanted to get the better of each other. Government supporters used abusive language, and used force to suppress the anti-government group. Police seemed to side with the government supporters. Police stood and did nothing when they saw two men out anti-government protesters in a headlock.

Nation photographer Supachai Pet-thewi

I saw reporters waiting outside Central World Plaza and a crowd of pro- and anti-Thaksin supporters, and the police were standing in between them. The Thaksin supporters shouted "What right do you have to sack the PM?'' An elderly man standing two metres away from me was flanked by a plainclothes policeman, who told the old man "You come with me". The man said "No, I will not go, I did not do anything wrong. What right do you have to drag me away?" He struggled and resisted, and the man tried to push him into a car. Later, a more senior policeman told the plainclothes officer to release the old man - and then report to the police station.