HUNDREDS of riot police have attempted to clear out anti-government protest sites around Thailand's capital Bangkok, triggering clashes that left four people dead and 64 others injured.

Multiple gunshots were heard near the prime minister's offices, where riot police had started to remove protesters. Witnesses said shots were fired by both sides. Police later withdrew.

In another blow for Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, the state anti-corruption agency has accused her of improperly handling an expensive rice subsidy scheme, putting her in jeopardy of being impeached. The National Anti-­Corruption Commission said Ms Yingluck's government proceeded with the scheme despite advice from experts that it was potentially wasteful and prone to corruption. The government has been late in making payments to farmers for the rice they pledged to sell at above-market prices.