DHAKA: Thai authorities again fired tear gas as anti-government protesters returned to barricades outside official buildings in the capital, Bangkok.

Some schools and universities closed, amid a call for a general strike on the ninth day of protests.

On Sunday, police fired tear gas and water cannons to repel protesters seeking to storm Government House.

Four people have died in Thailand`s worst political turmoil since the 2010 rallies that ended in violence.

The protesters, who want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down, had declared Sunday the decisive "V-Day" of what they termed a "people`s coup".

However, despite clashing with security forces, they failed to seize more government buildings or unseat Ms Yingluck.

Correspondents say that demonstrator numbers appear lower than before.

A hard core of protesters are still pushing at police barricades but seem to be unable to break through, they add.

Tear gas was fired outside the government headquarters on Monday, AFP reported, as protesters threw objects at security personnel.

Several schools and universities have closed, citing security concerns. AP news agency reported that 60 schools in Bangkok, as well as the main UN office, were shut.

Source: BBC
BDST: 1135 HRS, DEC 02, 2013