Thai general tied to protesters dies: reports

Arenegade army general who worked for Red Shirt protesters has died of gunshot wounds inflicted bya sniper last week,according to Thai news reports.

Maj.-Gen. Khattiya Sawasdiphol, also known as Sae Daeng,died Monday, Channel 9 television, Thai Rath newspaper and other media outlets reported.

Khattiya, whowas the military strategist of the Red Shirts, was shot in the head Thursday whiletalking to reporters just inside the perimeter of the protesters' encampment in Bangkok.

He was taken to a Bangkok hospital where he remained in a coma until his death.

The attack triggered widespread street fighting between anti-government protesters and the army in central Bangkok. At least 30 people all civilians have died in the violence.

The Red Shirts, whoare therural and urban poor,have been protesting since mid-March demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the dissolution of parliament and new elections.