Thai anti-government clashes turn deadly

A Thai police officer has been shot dead while at least 119 people were injured in clashes between security forces and opposition demonstrators in Bangkok, days after the government rejected a call to postpone the February polls.

Security forces said the slain police officer was shot in the chest before succumbing to his injuries in hospital.

Violence broke out as protesters tried to force their way into a sports stadium in Bangkok, where representatives of about 30 political parties were gathered to register for parliamentary elections.

Scores of demonstrators, some armed with slingshots, threw rocks and attempted to break through police lines prompting the police to use rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons.

Citing the ongoing clashes, the electoral commission urged the government to consider postponing the elections. Government officials later rejected the call to postpone the polls. 

The clashes are the first violent incident in almost two weeks of continuous demonstrations and the worst civil disturbance since 2010, when more than 90 civilians in a crackdown on anti-government protests.

Protesters want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to step down and they oppose the elections, due to take place on February 2, because she is seen as sure to win them.

They are instead calling for an "unelected people's council" to lead the country until reforms can be implemented.

On Wednesday, protesters rejected a compromise from Yingluck, who announced a proposal for a national reform council. They are planning more civil disobedience and street protests to force her to resign as caretaker prime minister.