One of the red-shirtd core leaders Nutthawut Saikua appeared at the center stage of the rally site Ratchaprasong at about 11:20 a.m. Wednesday, saying he has not fled and will go on fighting here.

Thailand turmoil

He voiced his pledge after some red-shirts leaders were reported to have fled the sealed-off zone, where the troops are pushing forward to disperse the protestors.

The acting government Panitan Wattanayagorn in a televised address at 11:40 a.m. confirmed the escape of some red-shirts leaders and called for the public to provide clues to help the authorities to find them.