Blasts in Thailand kill three, wound 75

Several grenade blasts between pro- and anti-government protesters in Bangkok have killed three and injured more than 70 people overnight.

The blasts occurred in the Silom Road commercial district just after nightfall where pro-government demonstrators had gathered to show their opposition to the Red Shirt protests.

The violence between the two political factions escalated after the five explosions, caused by M79 grenades, with both sides hurling bottles, rocks and firecrackers at each other for more than four hours.

Strangely, the 1500 riot police stationed along Silom Road did nothing to stop the fighting, instead taking shelter in building entrances and under highway overpasses, according to the Globe and Mail.

Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said that three people were killed while 75 others, including an Australian, were wounded.

The government has said the grenades were fired from the Red Shirt encampment and noted that the M79 grenade launchers had been used before by the Red Shirt demonstrators earlier this month.

However, Red Shirt leaders have denied responsibility for the attack, saying their protest was peaceful.

But whether the explosions came from the pro- or anti- government protesters, the violence, which has gained widespread international attention, has already hampered travel to the capital.

Governments around the world have already advised its respective citizens to not travel to Bangkok, with the Swiss ministry saying in its advisory that "political tensions are acute."

"Tourist travel to Bangkok is not recommended. Flight transits are still possible."

The UK's Foreign ministry also warned Britons on its website that "violence could break out without warning during the increasingly volatile political crisis."