According to the report:
Thai security forces fought street battles with protesters in the heart of Bangkok, leaving 15 dead and hundreds injured in the country's bloodiest political violence in almost two decades.I hope good sense will prevail and that there will be a peaceful solution to this crisis. At the same time, I hope that such a situation will not happen in our country and that peace, harmony and understanding will prevail in our own country. All must work diligently to preserve the delicate balance of harmony and understanding that we may live in a safe, secure and stable environment. As it stands, Thais who are generally mild-mannered, gentle and peaceful,have not only witnessed the loss of peace and harmony but have also lost lives, destruction and revenue running into millions due to the disruption. May there be a peaceful solution to the problem in Thailand as soon as possible.
A Japanese cameraman with the Reuters news agency was among those killed as the army launched a crackdown on "Red Shirt" supporters of fugitive ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, following almost a month of mass demonstrations.
The Reds hurled rocks as troops tried to clear one of two protest sites in the capital with tear gas, while gunshots echoed around the city.
The dead included 11 civilians and four soldiers, emergency services said, adding that about 680 people had been hurt, some by rubber bullets.
It was the country's worst political clashes since 1992 as, in Washington, the White House called for "restraint by both protesters and security forces."
Riot shields and pools of blood were left scattered around the city's historic district near the Khao San Road backpacker district, while ambulances ferried away casualties and injured soldiers were loaded onto pick-up trucks.
"It's frightening. We heard explosions and people were running all around," said Sharon Aradbasson, a 34-year-old Israeli tourist.
Khao San Road resembled a war zone. Shop windows were shattered. Cars were smashed. Many people lay wounded on the street. Police told reporters some protesters had ignited cooking gas cylinders and rolled them into troops.
The army later retreated, calling for a truce with the demonstrators, who were holding five soldiers hostage, according to military spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd.
"If this continues, if the army responds to the Red Shirts, violence will expand," Sansern said.
He said soldiers had been pelted with petrol bombs and M79 grenades, and that some of the protesters were armed with guns.
Pill Pusher It's about 'the cause' that propels it.
If the sentiment is strong enough anything could happen.