Peace Talks Refused in Bangkok

Following the death of 30 people in violent clashes in Bangkok, Red Shirt protesters offered to hold U.N.-mediated peace talks with the government, but were refused. On Saturday, Thailand's prime minister announced that there would be no cease-fire with the protesters, known as Red Shirts. "Overall, I insist the best way to prevent losses is to stop the protest," Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said. "The protest creates conditions for violence to occur." Thousands filled the streets, Molotov cocktails in hand, following the prime minister's speech. Soldiers fired automatic weapons into the crowd. Earlier in the day, one protest leader warned of more violence to come. “It’s likely to become a civil war. I don’t want to see it,” said Karkaew Pikulthong.