Blasts kill three and wound 75 at Bangkok protesters' camp

Explosions near an encampment of anti-government protesters in Bangkok killed three and wounded up to 75 people.

The army said five grenades were launched in the heart of the Thai capital's business district where the Red Shirt protesters are gathered.

Three grenades fell through the roof of the Saladaeng Skytrain elevated station, a fourth exploded on the pavement near the five-star Dusit Thani Hotel and the fifth near a bank.

The Red Shirt protesters, who are demanding prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign, are confronting security forces from behind a barrier of sharpened bamboo sticks and tires.

Facing the wall are police trucks, officers in riot gear, and a few hundred anti-Red Shirt demonstrators, who are waving Thai flags and have hurled stones at the anti-government protesters.

Fireworks have previously been set off in the area, but the TPBS television network reported one death and 50 wounded, some seriously, including three foreigners. The streets were full of people tending to the injured and carrying away casualties.

The army today warned the Red Shirts, who believe Mr Abhisit came to power illegitimately and are pushing for him to call elections, that they would soon clear the streets.

"Your time to leave the area is running out," said army spokesman Colonel Sansern Kaewkamnerd. "To take people in Bangkok hostage is not right." The protests are already in violation of Thai laws, including the state of emergency that is in place.

A failed attempt on April 10 by security forces to move protesters from their first encampment erupted into violence in which 25 people died.