11 die in Thailand unrest

Thailand’s beleaguered prime minister vowed to restore peace in Bangkok tonight after clashes between anti-government protesters and troops left 11 people dead and more than 500 wounded.

Prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva went on national television shortly before midnight to pay condolences to families of the victims and indirectly assert that he would not bow to protesters’ demands to dissolve Parliament.

The premier said he and the government “are still responsible for easing the situation and trying to bring peace and order to the country”.

Pitched battles broke out Saturday between protesters and troops trying to clear them from Bangkok streets.

An uneasy calm returned when the army retreated after dark.

So-called Red Shirt protesters have been carrying out demonstrations in the capital for the past month. They are pushing for new elections, claiming that the Mr Abhisit came to power illegitimately in December 2008 with the help of military pressure on the Thai parliament.