Thai political protesters clash violently, 1 dead

Anti-government protesters attack people they suspected of supporting the current Thai government on the bus in Bangkok,Thailand Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013. A mob of anti-government protesters smashed the windows of a moving Bangkok bus Saturday in the first eruption of violence after a week of tense street protests. AP

BANGKOK — Aggressive protests in the Thai capital have turned violent with at least one man killed and five wounded by gunshots in street fighting between government supporters and foes.

It was not immediately known who fired the shots or what side the victims were on. National Police Deputy Spokesman Anucha Romyanant said the dead man was a 21-year-old male with two bullet wounds.

The shooting Saturday night occurred after scattered violence during the day involving government opponents waylaying and beating several people they believed were going to a rally at a stadium of “Red Shirt” government supporters.

The anti-government demonstrators are seeking to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra’s government, which they believe serves the interests of her brother, who was ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power.