BANGKOK, May 14 (UPI) -- The British government said Friday that its embassy in Bangkok was closed because of violent clashes between government forces and Red Shirt protesters.
"The key piece of advice that we are providing is to advise British nationals first of all that they should avoid all but essential travel to Bangkok and if you are here really consider whether it is essential for you to be traveling around the city in the current environment," British envoy to Bangkok Quinton Quayle told the BBC.
Thai security forces fired tear gas, live rounds and rubber bullets at Bangkok camps for the so-called Red Shirt protesters, leaving at least two people dead in what is being described as a war zone in the Thai capital.
Violence erupted Thursday when militant Thai Gen. Khattiya Sawasdipol, or Seh Daeng, was shot in the head by a sniper during an interview with a reporter from The New York Times.
The general is considered part of a more radical movement than Red Shirt protesters, who he accused of being too soft in their demands. The Red Shirts are calling for new elections, throwing their support behind former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted in a 2006 coup.
Government forces have cut electricity and public transportation to areas occupied by Red Shirt demonstrators. Thai government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn told the BBC said the effort was meant to contain any violence.
"We want to cut down a number of activities including the logistics, sending in the fuel and gasoline trucks," he said.
