Explosions, gunfire heard in central Bangkok where Red Shirt protesters are camped.

Explosions, gunfire in central Bangkok

BANGKOK — A short burst of gunfire and at least two explosions have been heard in central Bangkok where Red Shirt anti-government protesters are camped.

It was not clear who was shooting, but the sounds came after the government said it will impose a military lockdown on the area in an effort to evict the protesters.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s government prepared to impose a massive lockdown Thursday on a posh Bangkok neighborhood occupied by thousands of protesters, and warned that troops will not hesitate to shoot armed “terrorists” who resist.

The Red Shirts said they would never surrender and will fight the troops with “bare hands.”

Armored personnel carriers and snipers will surround the Red Shirts, who have barricaded themselves behind piles of tires and bamboo spears in the 1-square-mile (3-square-kilometer) area, said Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd, the spokesman of the agency charged with ending the protest.

The agency “has shifted its strategy toward complete blockade and interception,” he said.

Separately, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajvia said he has rescinded his offer to hold elections on Nov. 14 because the protesters have refused to end their sit-in.

The Red Shirts, many from the rural poor, believe Abhisit’s coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the backing of the powerful military, and they have occupied parts of the capital since March 12 to demand new elections.

The government told medical centers to have doctors, nurses and ambulances ready for contingencies. Public transportation and nearby streets were closed, and many banks and shops in the area put up signs, telling customers they were closing early.

The steps signaled a sense of desperation in the government that has been ineffectual in dislodging the Red Shirts from the Rajprasong neighborhood, lined with malls, upscale apartments, two hospitals, parks and embassies, including the U.S. and British, which announced they would close all services to the public on Friday.

“During the closing-in operation today, it’s possible that terrorists in the area would move in and encounter the officers. Therefore, the authorities must execute measures according to international standards and rules of engagement. Live ammunition will be used,” Sansern said.

The warning raised the specter of a repeat of the clashes between protesters and security forces on April 10 in another part of Bangkok that killed 25 people and injured 800. Later violence related to the protests have caused four deaths and injured 600.

Sansern said sharpshooters with live ammunition will take up vantage positions; water and electricity supplies to the area may be cut off, he said.

Bangkok’s notorious evening rush-hour traffic started hours early as people hurriedly left work. Long lines formed at train stations in the area before the government closed them at 6 p.m. (1100 GMT).

“I don’t feel safe. I literally had to run to the subway before it closed,” said Janmaneengam Seasin, a 28-year-old interior designer. “I understand … why the government is doing this.”

A pier on the Chao Phraya river used by river taxis also was closed. But there was no sign of armored personnel carriers on the streets and the streets were free of traffic as night fell.

Sansern said troops will use rubber bullets first but will not hesitate to use live ammunition in self defense if attacked.

“In addition, another unit of … sharpshooters will be on the lookout and will shoot terrorists who carry weapons,” he said.

From behind their barricades, leaders of the Red Shirts were defiant as they addressed supporters including women and children.

“Our brothers and sisters are not afraid to die. If the troops move in, our people will surround them. We will never surrender,” said one leader, Jatuporn Prompan.

Nongnuch Chinnasa, 40, a gardening shop owner from the central town of Ayutthaya, said she is not scared. “We’re not doing anything wrong. We’re simply fighting for democracy.”

“If the troops do come in, I’ll fight them with bare hands. I’ll stay until the end of the fight,” she said.

“We’ll stay here until the Parliament is dissolved,” said Porntiwa Sarasuk, 25, who came to the protest site with her 8-month-old son from the northeastern town of Khon Kaen.

The Red Shirts see Abhisit’s government as serving an elite insensitive to the plight of most Thais. The protesters include many supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, a populist leader accused of corruption and abuse of power and ousted in a 2006 military coup.

Thaksin, a former telecommunications billionaire who fled overseas to avoid a corruption conviction, is widely believed to be helping to bankroll the protests. He claims to be a victim of political persecution.

After agreeing last week in principle to Abhisit’s offer of November polls, the protesters later said they would stay put until the deputy prime minister faces criminal charges for violence during the protests.

Associated Press writers Vijay Joshi and Jocelyn Gecker contributed to this report.