Bangkok Hospital Evacuates Patients

ABC Radio Australia News: Thai hospital evacuates patients amid protests

A hospital in the Thai capital Bangkok has evacuated some of its patients after protesters forced their way into the grounds looking for soldiers they thought were there preparing an attack.

More than 200 "Red Shirt" protesters burst into the grounds of Chulalongkorn University Hospital, located next to the encampment of anti-government protesters, late on Thursday night.

They reportedly left after roaming for an hour through the grounds without finding any soldiers. Protest leaders ruled out a return to the hospital grounds today to make sure there were no troops left.

"We have told them it was an inappropriate move. We truly apologise for any inconvenience caused," protest spokesman Weng Tojirakarn told reporters.

Observers say the incursion raises concerns about how much control the leaders have over their followers at the sprawling protest site in Bangkok.