Thailand's military Sunday urged journalists to stay out of a fortified camp occupied by protesters battling government troops in Bangkok, saying the press have become a "terrorist" target.

"The press is a target, as well as people at the protest site," army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd told reporters, adding authorities had information "terrorists" were trying to attack reporters, police and soldiers.

Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has said armed "terrorists" are mixed in with the protesters, who number in the thousands.

Three Thai journalists and a Canadian have been shot and wounded in the legs while covering battles Friday and Saturday between "Red Shirt" protesters and troops outside the camp.

The Canadian, Nelson Rand, of the France 24 news channel, was also shot in the wrist and torso, his employer said.

Against a military armed with assault rifles, the protesters have often fought with homemade weapons including fireworks, rockets, slingshots and burning tyres.

Clashes have so far occurred on the fringes of the Red Shirt camp, and not inside the fortified Ratchaprasong compound which thousands of protesters have occupied for two months in an upscale hotel and retail district.

The army said on Saturday it plans to move against Ratchaprasong if the protesters do not disperse, but it gave no timetable for the action.

"Ratchaprasong is a dangerous zone. This area should be avoided," Sunsern said.

A Japanese cameraman was among 25 people killed on April 10 when clashes broke out during an attempt by troops to clear protesters from an area of the capital.

Human rights groups have expressed concern over the risk to civilians, journalists and even medical rescue workers during the clashes.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "gravely concerned" about the deteriorating situation for journalists as government forces and protesters battled.

(Source: AFP)