MINI-CIVIL WAR IN THAILAND | Thai Red Shirt leaders call off protests

Several Red Shirt leaders called off their anti-government protests in Bangkok Wednesday after a large military offensive routed their supporters from a city park where they had amassed.

The leaders could be seen on television addressing a crowd in Lumpini Park saying they wanted to avoid further bloodshed and wanted to turn themselves in.

At least two people, including an Italian, were listed as killed in the clashes, according to the Police Hospital in Bangkok. Another 19 -- two journalists among them -- were wounded.

Seven anti-government protest leaders had been taken into custody, while several others fled, authorities said. Officials asked protesters, residents and foreigners to head to a nearby stadium if they want to leave.

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