Khattiya Sawasdipol, chief military adviser to anti-government protesters, died on Monday morning, Thai News Agency reported.

His death at 09:20 a.m. local time was confirmed by the Vajira Hospital, to which Major General Khattiya was admitted for treatment after being shot in the head at a rally site nearby the Silom Road -- the business area -- in central Bangkok.

Thailand turmoil

Troops started to seal off the anti-government "red-shirts" fortified encampment late on Thursday (May 13), prompting violent clashes in which the renegade Khattiya, was shot by an unknown gunman.

The death toll from clashes between the troops and red-shirt protesters over the past four days has risen to 35, according to the Erawan emergency centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Monday morning.

The centre said 241 people were wounded since fresh clashes broke out in Thai capital Bangkok on Thursday evening.

The clashes occurred as the government led by prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva decided to seal off the red-shirt-occupied Rathchaprason Intersection, where the anti-government protesters have been camped out since early April, demanding Abhisit to dissolve the lower house of parliament and hold snap election.