Canadian Embassy Shut Down as Protests Escalate in Thailand

At National Post, "Bangkok's commercial district turns into bloody battlefield," and "Violence leads Canada to shut embassy doors in Bangkok."

Plus, at Times of London, "Death toll rises as anti-government protests escalate in Thailand":

At least eight people were killed and up to 121 injured during a day of violence between anti-government protesters and troops which drew months of stand-off in Bangkok closer to an endgame.

Three of the wounded were journalists, including a Canadian cameraman shot three times and “gravely” injured during running battles in the streets of the Thai capital.

The violence was sparked by yesterday’s attack — possibly by a sniper — on a renegade army general, who is a key figure on the militant wing of the Red Shirt protests.

Dozens more were injured today, seven fatally, according to reports from hospitals, as troops used teargas and fired live and rubber bullets in an attempt to bring to an end two months of protests in which more than 30 people have died and more than 1,400 people have been injured.

More at the link.

PHOTO CREDIT: "Thai Red Shirt military advisor shot in the head."

And at NYT, "Thai General Shot; Army Moves to Face Protesters," and "Rogue General Shot During Thai Protests." Reports coming in that the general, Khattiya Sawatdiphol, has died. See, "Growing Anarchy in Thailand as Protesters Clash with Military," and "Rogue general killed in Thailand: Anti-government supporter is shot in the head while talking to a New York Times journalist."