Clash breaks out between Thai "red-shirts", security forces in Bangkok
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Thailand's "red-shirts" protestors had scuffles with security forces at the gate of General Police Hospital at about 5:20 p.m. Friday, not far away from the protestors' major rally site Ratchaprasong Intersection in Bangkok.
The tension eased after the police in riot gear retreated into the police headquarters compound nearby to avoid further violence. There is no report of injuries so far.
The brief skirmish occurred as "red-shirts" were trying to block the gate of the hospital, an exit to the police, whom they believed were about to come out to disperse the protesters at the intersection.
There are seven companies of riot policemen deployed inside the National Police Headquarters, next to the hospital, TV reported.
Before the incident, the "red-shirts" were bracing for anti- riot operation as the riot forces were seen inside the Police headquarters.
Red-shirt leaders, Weng Tojirakarn, Veera Musigapong and Kokaew Pikulthong, took turn to rouse the crowds.
Weng urged protesters to act as human shield to prevent the advance of riot forces.
Earlier Friday, thousands of "red-shirts" drove to Thaicom satellite firm in Patum Thani province, next to Bangkok, and stormed the compound, demanding the resumption of signal transmission for their TV channel, People's Channel.
The "red-shirts" have been rallying at Ratchaprsong area since April 3 to pressure Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve the parliament.
Abhisit declared a state of emergency Wednesday afternoon, citing that their rally was turning unlawful.
