Canadian shot in Bangkok recovering

Nelson Rand spoke to CBC News from his hospital bed in the Thai capital Saturday, a day after being struck by three bullets.

He was working for the France 24 television network when he was wounded as security forces cracked down on Red Shirt protesters.

Rand underwent four hours of surgery and is expected to recover, said Derek Thomson, a senior producer for the French network.

"I remember I got shot in my left wrist and I remember screaming," Rand said. "I don't know who fired the bullets and I don't care because I put myself in that situation and nobody should be blamed for that."

"I never thought it would happen to me. I'm just happy that it happened in downtown Bangkok and not in the jungles of Burma, otherwise I would have never made it back."

According toFrance 24,Rand was hit by bullets from a military assault rifle.

"WhatI remember is, I was filming with the army, I think. It's a bit confusing, so we can't really confirm this," the reporter told CBC. "I'm happy to be alive. I think I died for a little bit, but I can't confirm that," Rand said.

"The one main thing I want to say is whoever helped me get here, I want to thank them. I can't thank them enough," he said.

"I want to thank them infinity times," he said.

More journalists in the line of fire

At least 24 people have been killed and more than 194 have been injured including a Thai newspaper photographer and Thai TV camera operator during clashes Friday between security forces and anti-government protesters in the centre of Bangkok.

Thousands of Red Shirt protesters, mostly rural poor, have occupied one of the capital's most upscale areas since March 12. Fighting since then has leftat least 37 people dead.

During two consecutive nights of clashes this week, security forcesfired rubber bullets, tear gas and live ammunition, while protestersseized army equipment and setfire to a police bus.

The Red Shirt demonstrators believe Abhisit's coalition government came to power illegitimately through manipulation of the courts and the backing of the powerful military. They are demanding he dissolve parliament immediately and call new elections.