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Security forces in Bangkok used water cannons against the demonstrators on Tuesday
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ATHIT PERAWONGMETHA / REUTERS
The conflict over the planned constitutional reform in Thailand is getting worse.
In the capital, Bangkok, protests in front of parliament led to violent clashes between government supporters and the police.
According to the Erawan Medical Center in Bangkok, at least 55 people have been injured.
At least 32 people suffered from tear gas and six people had gunshot wounds, it said.
“I hereby announce the escalation of the protests.
We won't give in.
There will be no compromise, ”government critic Parit“ Penguin ”Chiwarak shouted to the crowd at the gates of parliament before the demonstrators dispersed.
Government spokesman Anucha Burapachaisri said police had been forced to use tear gas and water cannons to keep parliamentarians safe.
Police denied opening fire with live ammunition or rubber bullets.
The anti-government protesters are calling for changes to the constitution, which goes back to a military government.
Parliament is due to vote on several proposals on Wednesday.
According to the Reuters news agency, it became apparent that the country's monarchy would not be affected.
The protest movement calls for the resignation of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, the former head of the military junta, and a limitation of the power of King Maha Vajiralongkorn.
Tuesday's clashes marked the worst outbreak of violence in Thailand since the protest movement began in July.
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