Protesters clash with police outside Prem's residence

In the first major outbreak of violence since the anti-coup movement started in September, protesters from the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DADD) clashed with police outside Prem's home.

Police fired teargas and the protesters damaged some public and private properties. There were some reports of injuries. It was not immediately known if anyone was seriously wounded.

The situation returned to normal around midnight, as protesters retreated to Sanam Luang. But the clash had prompted fears of bigger violence and intense speculation that the military junta would declare a state of emergency.

Council for National Security chief Sonthi Boonyaratklin said before midnight he was keeping a close watch of the situation, when asked to comment on the possibility of state of emergency.

Also at midnight, the police were said to be prepared to issue warrants for the arrests of eight leaders of the anti-coup movement who led the protestors to Gen Prem's House.

At around 10.40, Anti-coup (Nor Por Kor) group destroyed glass of the guard house in front of Baan Si Sao, the residence of Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. The gruop also threw many objects at the army's wives club's shop and the Army Shop. They also threw the objects into Baan Si Sao, and the army officers' cars parking around the area.

At around 11pm, the protesters seized a Por Or 3 air-conditioned bus Por Or 3 and parked it on the road. They also parked around 10 tuk-tuks at Tewet intersection to obstruct the traffic, heightening concern that the government would employ the force to control the mob at midnight.

Overall, several thousands of people kept up the barrage of missiles for about three hours as Prem was reportedly taking shelter inside. Television footage showed a number of people were injured, but police late last night released no figures, but some reports said an officer had his leg broken.

It is the first major violence since the anti-coup movement started last September. 

The clash began at around 9.05pm when a number of riot policemen climbed onto a truck to arrest protest leaders who were speaking against the junta.

The policemen retreated without arresting anyone after the numerous protestors on the truck pushed them back down. The officers also came under a heavy barrage of missiles thrown at them by members of the roughly 5,000-strong protest.

The officers were then pushed further back behind their own barricades, which were later seized by the protesters.

The protestors later destroyed a nearby police box and vowed to stay at the site until Prem resigned.

The protesters clashed with police at Makkhawan Bridge yesterday morning and later charged through a police blockade near the headquarters of the First Infantry Division by driving a municipal garbage truck they had seized through the police line.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Lt-General Adisorn Nonsee said the protest's leaders would be charged, some with assaulting officers and others with destroying government property.

Meanwhile, a joint pro-government and pro-order movement calling themselves the Yellow Shirts Group, gathered in Lumpini public park for a peaceful demonstration.

They also gave alms to 999 Buddhist monks before dispersing in the evening.

Watch video of the clash: http://blog.nationmultimedia.com/ThaiTalk/2007/07/22/entry-2

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