Thai authorities say the protesters have used weapons against soldiers and intend to attack the public as well. Government spokesman Panitan Wattanayagorn spoke on national television late Friday.
"The Royal Thai Government is very confident that we are able and willing and (1)__________________________. And, the situation will be very much under control very soon." The government Thursday ordered soldiers to seal off the area to pressure the protest to end.
The protesters, mainly from the countryside, say the government is illegitimate and (2)__________________________. For 2 months they have occupied a central Bangkok commercial district, forcing hotels and businesses to shut down. More than 30 people have been killed since the protest began in March.
The latest clashes erupted after a General supporting the demonstrators was shot Thursday night, apparently by a sniper. Protest leaders accuse the government of ordering the attack. Thai authorities have denied they were responsible and (3)__________________________.
