(1 Dec 2013) Thai police Sunday stepped up measures to keep Bangkok streets at bay, by firing tear gas and water canons on anti-government protesters.
Clashes have already claimed two lives.
45 others were wounded as political protests erupted into street fighting in a northeastern neighbourhood of Bangkok between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
Demonstrators took to the streets a week ago seeking to topple Yingluck's government, which they believe serves the interests of her brother, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.
Authorities have exercised extreme restraint over the past week as the protesters besieged and occupied parts of various government ministries and offices.
As the clashes have escalated police have begun to use force.
In retaliation, protesters have been throwing tear gas canisters back at officers, and they are trying to bring down the perimeter concrete barricade around Government House.
But police have warned they will not allow protesters to enter Government House, the Parliament or other key offices.
The violence has stirred fears of further instability like what plagued the country during related political conflicts in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
In 2008, anti-Thaksin demonstrators occupied Bangkok's two airports for a week after taking over the prime minister's office for three months.
Any escalation is likely to scare away tourists who come to Thailand by the millions and contribute a large amount to the economy.
But it may help the government by undermining the claims of its opponents to be carrying out a non violent campaign of civil disobedience.
The night time clashes involved opponents of the government, led by university students, who tried to block government supporters from entering the rally, which drew more than 50-thousand people.
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