Thai holiday canceled amid protests, violence

Bangkok, Thailand (CNN) — Bangkok’s local government canceled major Thai holiday festivities that were to begin Monday, with officials citing the deadly anti-government protests as the reason.

Festivities related to the three-day Thai New Year’s holiday Songkran were dropped, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced.

Clashes between anti-government protesters, known as “Red Shirts” for their clothing, and Thai security forces intensified during the weekend, leaving 21 people dead.

Of the dead, 17 are civilians and four were military, according to the Erawan Rescue Emergency Center.

The clashes also left more than 850 people injured, the rescue center said.

CNN