英语文摘：24 persons die, 211 others wounded in Thai clashes

BANGKOK, May 15 (Xinhua) -- Some 24 persons lost their lives and some 211 others were wounded during clashes between troops and the protesters starting from Friday, according to the Erawan's Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Center late Saturday night, Thai News Agency reported.

The latest development in Bangkok has followed the announcement by the Center for Resolution of Emergency Situation (CRES), which said on Friday morning that it will keep pressure on the "red- shirt" protesters to end their prolonged rally.

The troops started to seal off the "red-shirts" fortified encampment late on Thursday, prompting violent clashes in which Khattiya Sawasdipol, chief military adviser to protesters, was admitted to hospital after being shot in the head.

The anti-government "red-shirt" rally in central Bangkok has been held from March 12 as the Rathchaprason Intersection in central Bangkok is their main rally site.