BBC News
17 May 2010
Renegade Thai general Khattiya Sawasdipol, who was shot on Thursday as he backed protesters in Bangkok, has died, hospital officials have said.
The announcement came amid fresh fighting between the protesters and soldiers after Thai officials rejected a demand for UN-backed talks.
The government has called on protesters to leave the camp by 1500 (0800 GMT), saying the area is no longer safe.
Thirty-six people have been killed in the violence since Thursday.
Maj Gen Khattiya, known as Seh Daeng (Commander Red), was shot in the head on Thursday as he spoke to a New York Times journalist within the protesters’ rally site.
He had been in a critical condition in hospital and had not been expected to pull through.
His shooting marked the beginning of clashes between soldiers and protesters that have raged on-and-off since then.
It is not clear who shot him, but some among the protesters were quick to blame army snipers.
A minute’s silence was held for the general at the protesters’ camp in the Ratchaprasong district, with some demonstrators in tears.
This report, with video, continues at BBC News.
H/T Michael Yon, 5/17/2010 1 am EDT: Seh Daeng is dead.
