Troops open fire on Thai protesters

(AP)

Security forces fired live rounds and rubber bullets at protesters during a clash outside Bangkok as the Red Shirts tested the government's vow to contain their disruptive rallies.

One soldier was killed – apparently by friendly fire – and at least 18 other people were hurt. Hundreds had travelled on motorbikes and trucks to rally in a suburb, but the main road connecting it with Bangkok was blocked by troops and barbed wire. The Red Shirts, who want to bring down the government, have paralysed parts of the capital for weeks.