Explosions and heavy gunfire have rattled Bangkok as pro- and anti-government protesters clashed on the eve of Thai elections seen as unlikely to end a cycle of violence in the kingdom after months of opposition rallies.At least seven people were wounded, including an American photojournalist in the gun battle.

Thailand's Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged protesters to allow polling to go ahead during Sunday's controversial general election. Violence broke out during advanced voting last week after anti-government protesters blocked access to polling centres. And Suthep Thaugsuban, a former deputy prime minister, called for a boycott of the election. Shinawatra called a snap election after protesters demanded she resign. But the majority of Thai people support the government and the ruling Pheu Thai party. Reports from Bangkok.