Originally posted by the Voice of America. Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America, a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in the public domain. Thai General Aligned with Red Shirts Shot VOA News 13 May 2010 'Red Shirts' anti-government soldiers look out for snipers from their encampment in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 May 2010 Photo: AP 'Red Shirts' anti-government soldiers look out for snipers from their encampment in Bangkok, Thailand, 13 May 2010 A Thai general aligned with the country's Red Shirt anti-government protesters has been shot, as security forces begin a crackdown on their encampment in downtown Bangkok. VOA Correspondent Daniel Schearf in Bangkok reports witnessing the general, known as Seh Daeng, being shot, possibly by a sniper, within the so-called Red Shirt protesters barricaded rally site. There are also reports of gunfire and other explosions inside the encampment. Thai security forces are forming a blockade around the site in an effort to force the protesters out. An Army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd said snipers will be deployed, and are prepared to fire live ammunition if necessary. Security forces say they also will send armored vehicles to surround the site. The protesters, known as the Red Shirts, have occupied the upscale neighborhood for several weeks, as they demand the resignation of Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's. Thai authorities increased pressure on the Red Shirts after the protesters failed to leave the rally site, despite agreeing to a reconciliation plan that called for early elections. Red Shirt leaders say they are prepared to confront the soldiers if they storm the outpost. The planned blockade comes after the Thai government backed down from a vow to shut off vital supplies, including food, water and electricity, to the encampment Wednesday. It was called off after residents complained they would be affected the most.  The Red Shirts have been marching and occupying parts of Bangkok since March. The mostly poor, rural and urban workers are supporters of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted in a 2006 coup. They claim Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's government was installed illegitimately after a court forced a pro-Thaksin government to dissolve.  Mr. Abhisit offered last week to dissolve parliament and hold new elections on November 14, more than a year ahead of schedule, in hopes of ending a crisis that has claimed the lives of 29 people. The death toll includes 25 people killed during an April 10 clash between the protesters and Thai security forces. The Red Shirts accepted the proposal in principle earlier this month. But they later made a new demand for Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban to face criminal charges for his role in the April 10 crackdown.  .