In brief: Thailand braces for more violence

BANGKOK – The United Nations closed its main office in Bangkok, dozens of schools closed and many civil servants stayed away from work today as the Thai capital braced for more violence in a spiraling political crisis.

After a weekend of chaos in pockets of Bangkok, protesters vowed to push ahead with plans to topple Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra by occupying her office compound along with other key government buildings. Police again used tear gas on thousands of protesters today after repeatedly driving them back with similar attacks throughout Sunday.

In an emailed statement to its staff, the United Nations’ security department said “there could be violence (Monday) on a large scale … staff should avoid government offices” and other protest locations.

Twelve in hospital after copter crash

LONDON – Scottish officials said Sunday there may be more fatalities from the deadly helicopter crash in Glasgow. Eight deaths have been confirmed so far.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond told the BBC on Sunday that of the 12 people still hospitalized, three are in intensive care but they are in stable condition.

The helicopter crashed into The Clutha club in Glasgow on Friday during a concert.

Emergency officials are still searching the crash site for bodies while working to remove the aircraft’s wreckage.

Investigators also are looking into what could have caused the helicopter to go down.

Officials said Sunday the aircraft was on a police operation and returning to Glasgow when it crashed, but declined to provide more details.