The death toll rises to 22 in a third day of clashes between the Thai army and anti-government protesters

Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has gone on national television saying there is no turning back from the current military operation underway to push back anti-government demonstrators. A short while ago he said what is happening now was for the benefit of the country, which he said he could not leave in the hands of "armed groups". Thai troops have been firing at protesters in the centre of the capital Bangkok on Saturday, the third day of violent clashes. At least six people have been killed bringing the death toll to at least 22 people with 170 people left injured.