Thailand’s embattled government on Thursday rejected the Election Commission’s plea to postpone the February 2 snap polls after fresh street violence here left a policeman dead and nearly 100 others injured.
Police Sergeant Major Narong Pitisit, 45, died of injuries sustained in the clash with opposition protesters at the Thai-Japanese Stadium, where candidates were filing their nominations for the elections.
Medical officials said he was shot in the chest and suffered severe blood loss. Nearly 100 people, including policemen, were injured during clashes.
In a statement, the EC said its recommendation to delay the polls was due to the violence that started after police fired teargas and rubber bullets at stone-throwing mobs trying to enter the stadium.