泰国警方与示威者对峙后撤退

The tension on the streets of Bangkok eased just slightly as riot police withdrew from the barricade that marked the confrontation line with red-shirt demonstrators. But the police maintained a substantial presence in the area as this standoff continued unresolved.

The violence yesterday had come as no surprise. Supporters of the government, frustrated with the occupation of the capital by the red-shirts from the countryside, took their own counter-protest to the streets with deadly consequences.

The latest violence and injuries were direct result to the government's inability to gain control of the capital and its indecision in dealing with the red-shirts who out-maneuvered the president's government at every turn.

Today there were further warnings to British travelers in Thailand.

"I think the safest course for any British citizens listening to this program is if to stay well clear of any demonstrations or congregations of people...of large number of Thais who may be out on streets. And if there is violence, please do stay indoors."

It's the latest human tragedy in this long-running political battle. The government pointed the finger of blame at the opposition protesters.

"Based on the investigation, it was clear that the grenade launcher was fired from behind the King Rama (VI) Monument where the red-shirts were protesting. So I'm asking the people who are feeling too emotional to retreat from that area."

But the anti-government red-shirt movement denies any involvement. They've been out on the streets for weeks calling for the government to resign.

A recent attempt by police to clear them resulted in clashes which left 25 dead and hundreds injured. And again yesterday scuffles broke out between pro- and anti-government protestors following the attack.

The military says it hopes to end the standoff soon without further violence. But given recent events, that seems unlikely.

Peter Sharp, Sky News in Beijing.