The Thai army on Thursday night clashed with hardline "red-shirts" protesters, leaving one killed and over 10 people injured, local media said.

Thai soldiers are deployed to ensure security around the Lumpini Park in central Bangkok, capital of Thailand, May 13, 2010, after a 25-year old man was killed in clashes between troops and anti-government protestors. [Thana Nuntavoranut/Xinhua]

An anti-government leader, Maj-General Khattiya Sawasdipol, was also shot and suffered a severe gun wound on his head.

He was shot at the rally site near the Silom Road -- the main business area -- in central Bangkok and immediately admitted to an intensive care unit at the Hua Chiew Hospital.

Doctor Petchpong Kumjornkijjakarn, director of (Erawan's) Bangkok Emergency Medical Service Center, confirmed that Maj- General Khattiya was shot.

The clashes occurred around 08:40 p.m. (0140 GMT) after demonstrators were trying to remove the orange cones used to block traffic, the TPBS TV said. Then protesters tried to prevent the army from coming out of the Lumpini park, some 2km from the "red- shirts" rally site, by putting bonsai in front of one of the park's gates.

Shortly after that, gunshots were heard when the army fired rubber bullets to disperse the protesters, leaving many injured, the TPBS said. One protester was shot in the head and killed.