Clashes between protesters, pro-government supporters injure 3 in Bangkok

BANGKOK (Xinhua) - Clashes between pro-government supporters, known as the Red Shirts, and protesters led by the People's Democratic Reform Committee outside the Lak Si district office in Thai capital Bangkok have left at least three people injured.

A reporter was among the three injured, reported local media Saturday, saying the clashes happened after a monk led the rally at the Chaeng Wattana to surround the Lak Si district office to prevent the transfer of ballots and ballot boxes from the office to polling stations.

Local media reported that explosion sounds, which are believed to come from giant firecrackers, were heard four times while the two sides were about 800 meters away from each other.

Voting for the Feb. 2 general election in several Thai southern provinces is facing numerous barriers as protesters are blocking the delivery of ballots to polling stations, affecting the preparation for election in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Krabi, Trang, Songkhla, Phuket and Phatthalung.