In Thailand, fresh violence erupted in the capital today after a government attempt to blockade anti-government protesters. The violence, which so far has claimed 30 lives and injured hundreds, plunged Thailand deeper into political uncertainty, with both sides hardening their positions. Gunshots rang out throughout the night and into the morning in central Bangkok. At daybreak, a group of protesters captured and vandalised two military water cannon trucks at the intersection of Sathorn and Rama IV roads in the heart of the business district. They ripped the cannon from its moorings and used its plastic barrel to shoot firecrackers from behind a sandbag bunker they had commandeered from soldiers. <br/>The so-called Red Shirt protesters, who have taken over an upscale 3-square-kilometre area in central Bangkok, vowed that they will not give up until the government resigns and early elections are called. The Red Shirts believe Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the backing of the powerful military. They are demanding to dissolve Parliament immediately and call new elections. Chances of a compromise dimmed further after renegade army Major General Khattiya Sawasdiphol, who is accused of creating a paramilitary force for the Red Shirts, was shot in the head last evening and is in a critical condition. In the ensuing clashes, a protester was shot and killed by troops. His death raised to 30 the number of people who have died in Thailand's latest round of political violence.<br/>