Bangkok Riots

At least six people have reportedly suffered gunshot wounds in the Thai capital, Bangkok, amid anti-government clashes ahead of Sunday's election.The violence erupted during a stand-off between supporters and opponents of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.The shots were fired as demonstrators blockaded a building where ballot papers are being stored, in an attempt to prevent their distribution.Protesters want the government replaced by an unelected "people's council".

The opposition has vowed to boycott Sunday's poll, which is likely to be won by Ms Yingluck.

Demonstrators accuse the prime minister of being under the control of her brother, ousted former leader Thaksin Shinawatra, who lives in self-imposed exile. 

TROOPS DEPLOYED

Saturday's shooting incident took place in Bangkok's Laksi district, a stronghold of the prime minister's Pheu Thai party.Sustained bursts of gunfire ricocheted off buildings after a tense stand-off between both sides, the BBC's Jonathan Head, in Bangkok, reports.A number of people could be seen lying injured on the road, as exchanges of gunfire continued, forcing reporters and passers-by to flee for cover, our correspondent says.

One man is said to have been seriously wounded after being shot in the neck.

There was no word on who was responsible for the gunfire. It is was also unclear whether those struck were government supporters or opponents.Before the attack, protesters had attacked a car and set off a series of small bombs.

source:BBC News