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| Southeast Asia |
| Deadly blast at Bangkok protest |
| 2010-04-23 |
| A series of explosions in the Thai capital Bangkok is reported to have killed at least three people and injured scores more. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said grenades had been fired from a camp of anti-government protesters. The explosions followed rising tensions in the stand-off between police and opposition demonstrators in the city. Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has called an emergency meeting with security chiefs, officials said. Mr Suthep said three people had been killed and more than 70 wounded in the explosions. Hospitals in Bangkok had only confirmed one person killed. A second attempt by the military to crack down on the anti-government protesters is widely predicted - the first failed on 10 April with 25 people killed. The city's fears were heightened by an army spokesman's warning that "time is running out". The military commander has repeated his commitment to a non-violent solution to the stand-off - if possible. The red-shirts refuse to go away, and refuse to have peace talks. In this febrile atmosphere, the explosion of at least five grenades could be the trigger for wider violence. As ever throughout this fraught ramping up of pressure on the government, each side could step back. But the record of violence does not bode well for what could be a new and tragic phase in a bitter political conflict. He said at least one M-79 grenade launcher had been used in the attacks, adding: "It was clear that it was shot from behind the King Rama VI Monument where the red-shirts are rallying." However, red-shirt leaders denied that their supporters were responsible for the blasts. Television images showed a chaotic scene with ambulances streaming into the area and panicked residents helping to carry the injured to safety. Blood was splattered across pavements and office windows were smashed. Reports said two foreigners were believed to be among the injured. Army spokesman Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said five grenades had been fired. Three fell through the roof of the Saladaeng Skytrain station, along Silom Road, the centre of Bangkok's business district, he said. A fourth exploded on the pavement near the five-star Dusit Thani Hotel and the fifth near a bank, he added. He said the same type of grenade - fired from a shoulder-mounted launcher - had hit troops during bloody clashes with protesters that killed 25 people on 10 April. The explosions happened near an intersection where troops are facing barricades manned by anti-government red-shirt protesters. Their base has been fortified in recent days with sharpened bamboo stakes and piles of car tyres. The red-shirts - who are calling for fresh elections - have been camped out in the city for six weeks. The volatile atmosphere has recently been heightened by pro-government protesters, waving Thai flags and hurling abuse and water bottles at the red-shirts. |
| Posted by:lotp |