Clashes continue in Bangkok

Another eight people have been killed in Bangkok as anti-government "Red Shirt" protesters continue to battle security forces on the streets of the capital.

The total death toll over the past three days now stands at 24. It is unclear if those killed were all protesters but it is known that none of the dead were soldiers.

Government troops meanwhile continue to surround the red shirt who have been camped in the centre of the capital for two months.

Troops have also been declaring certain areas "live fire zones".

This means security forces will use live ammunition against any protesters trying to enter these areas.

Speaking for the first time since the latest round of violence began on Thursday, Thailand's prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva made it clear that his soldiers will not back down.

Al Jazeera's Wayne Hay reports from Bangkok