BANGKOK, May 18 (UPI) -- The standoff between government forces and demonstrators in Bangkok is "pretty tense," British Embassy officials said Tuesday in Thailand.
Clashes between Red Shirt anti-government protesters and government troops have left more than 35 people dead and thousands injured since demonstrations began in early March.
Leaders of the anti-government movement said they would hold talks with state leaders, though government officials said Red Shirt protesters had to leave demonstration camps in Bangkok before negotiations start, the BBC reports.
"The situation has escalated and become violent with armed groups and terrorists attacking the government, officers in the field and civilians," said Cabinet minister Satit Wonghnongtaey.
The British Embassy in Bangkok remained closed Tuesday, though consular officials said an interim office was set up outside of the conflict zone.
Danny Pruce, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy, said the situation on the ground Tuesday was unsettling.
"Things are pretty tense this morning," he told the BBC.
Red Shirt leaders have ignored a government deadline to leave the protest sites, prompting further overnight clashes. Pruce said Thai authorities made "a large number of arrests" during the latest skirmishes.
Thai authorities said protesters are using human shields in the camps, while Red Shirt leaders say government forces are firing live rounds indiscriminately.
The United Nations has called on both sides to show restraint.
Clashes between Red Shirt anti-government protesters and government troops have left more than 35 people dead and thousands injured since demonstrations began in early March.
Leaders of the anti-government movement said they would hold talks with state leaders, though government officials said Red Shirt protesters had to leave demonstration camps in Bangkok before negotiations start, the BBC reports.
"The situation has escalated and become violent with armed groups and terrorists attacking the government, officers in the field and civilians," said Cabinet minister Satit Wonghnongtaey.
The British Embassy in Bangkok remained closed Tuesday, though consular officials said an interim office was set up outside of the conflict zone.
Danny Pruce, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy, said the situation on the ground Tuesday was unsettling.
"Things are pretty tense this morning," he told the BBC.
Red Shirt leaders have ignored a government deadline to leave the protest sites, prompting further overnight clashes. Pruce said Thai authorities made "a large number of arrests" during the latest skirmishes.
Thai authorities said protesters are using human shields in the camps, while Red Shirt leaders say government forces are firing live rounds indiscriminately.
The United Nations has called on both sides to show restraint.
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