Four dead as Thailand's riot police try to clear anti-government protest sites

Gun battles have broken out as hundreds of riot police made their strongest attempt to clear anti-government protest sites around Thailand’s capital Bangkok.

The fighting left at least four people dead and 64 others injured. Police had started to remove protesters and dismantle a makeshift stage near the Prime Minister’s offices when witnesses said a grenade was thrown at police and shots were fired by both sides.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s anti-corruption body said it would file charges against Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra for mishandling a controversial rice subsidy scheme.

AP