More than dozen injured, 15 provincial hospitals on standby

BANGKOK, November 24 (TNA) - Thai Public Health Minister Dr. Pradit Sintavanarong confirmed on Saturday that 14 people, including a policeman, suffered minor injuries during a squabble between anti-riot police and anti-government protesters at Makkawan Rangsan Bridge near the Royal Plaza and the Government House earlier in the day. Dr. Pradit told reporters that all the injured were sent to three state-run hospitals for treatment, adding that some of them had already returned home. Expressing his optimism that the anti-government rally at the Royal Plaza would remain under control, Dr. Pradit said, however, that his ministry has requested the Thai Red Cross to reserve blood in case of emergency; while hospitals in 15 provinces, near Bangkok, have also been instructed to stay on alert.(TNA)