BANGKOK - THAILAND'S political crisis threatens lives and democracy, according to New York-based Human Rights Watch, which called on Wednesday for an end to political violence in the capital.

Two people died and several hundred were injured on October 7 after supporters of the anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) descended on parliament to try to stop lawmakers from meeting.

Their protests were met with a volley of tear gas from police.

'Instead of attacking each other on the streets, the Thai government and PAD should use democratic and legal channels to end their disputes,' Mr Brad Adams, Asia director of the rights group, said in a statement.

'The authorities should only use the force necessary to protect public security, while PAD should end violence, vacate government buildings it has occupied, and disarm its supporters,' he added.

The PAD has occupied the prime minister's offices since late August, accusing the ruling People Power Party of running the country on behalf of ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra, who was removed in a September 2006 coup and now lives in Britain.

The country's supreme court is due to begin hearing corruption charges against Mr Thaksin on Wednesday.

The Thai government has set up two committees to investigate last week's clash - the worst unrest seen in the Thai capital for 16 years - after coming under pressure from military officials to solve the country's crisis. -- AFP