Red-shirts break into Thaicom grounds

Thailand's anti-government "red-shirt" protesters broke into the compound of the Thaicom satellite firm Friday afternoon. Several policemen and protesters were injured in the confrontation, but the protesters have yet to go inside the building.

The protesters are demanding the government reopen a television station to broadcast. The influential opposition television station was shut down by the government a day earlier. The protesters travelled by trucks and motorbikes to the satellite firm located in a province 60 kilometers north of Bangkok. They broke through the military guard and put forward an ultimatum.

Protester Somchai Arthamathan said, "The government imposes unfair law. They practice unfair measures to stop people from doing their duty to protect democracy. They do everything to stop us."

Anti-government "red shirt" protesters fight with army soldiers at Thaicom Teleport on the outskirts of Bangkok in Pathum Thani province April 9, 2010. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)