Mourners honor Thai protester leader killed in violence

2014-01-27 208

WARNING-STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

Thai protesters line up to pay their respects to a protest leader killed in violence in Bangkok.

As family members of Suthin Tharatin mourned, a memorial hall filled up with supporters for a Buddhist ceremony.

Tharatin was shot and killed on Sunday when violence erupted as demonstrators blocked early voting in many areas of the capital.

One opposition leader condemned the violence.

(SOUNDBITE) (Thai) OPPOSITION LEADER, ABHISIT VEJJAJIVA, SAYING:

"There should be no violence because the protesters have protested peacefully without weapons. But the protesters were attacked from outside."

Polls were opened for advance voting ahead of a disputed election next week.

Anti-government protests have taken over the country in recent months.

Many are calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra who they accuse of corruption.