Riot leaves four dead

BANGKOK (AP):

Gun battles broke out yesterday as hundreds of riot police made their strongest attempt to clear anti-government protest sites around Thailand's capital, leaving at least four people dead and 64 others injured.

Multiple gunshots were heard near the prime minister's offices, where riot police wearing helmets and bulletproof vests had started to remove protesters and dismantle a makeshift stage. Witnesses said a grenade was thrown at the police and shots were then fired by both sides. The police withdrew after a series of clashes.

In another blow for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the state anti-corruption agency accused her yesterday of improperly handling an expensive rice subsidy scheme, putting her in jeopardy of being impeached.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission said Yingluck's government proceeded with the scheme despite advice from experts that it was potentially wasteful and prone to corruption. The government has been months late in making payments to farmers for the rice they pledged to sell at above-market prices.