Thai police clash with anti-government protesters

BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) - Demonstrators opposed to Thailand's military-installed government clashed with police yesterday night in the most violent protest since a military coup ousted an elected government last September.

Several thousand protesters staged a rally outside the home of former Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda, whom they accuse of instigating last year's coup against former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The protest was led by former top members of Thaksin's now disbanded Thai Rak Thai party.

Protesters broke through police barricades to march to the house, but more serious fighting between the two sides appeared to be triggered by an effort by police to detain the protest leaders while they spoke from a stage, according to video shown on Thai television.

The protesters first scuffled with police, then began throwing bottles and other objects at them as the security forces retreated from their effort to take the protest leaders.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or arrests.