ID :
181528
Wed, 05/11/2011 - 15:19
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http://m.oananews.org//node/181528
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Police hunt for attackers of wounded Thai politicians
BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) - Police are hunting for a gunman and all others involved in Tuesday night’s shooting against Pracha Prasobdee, a former Puea Thai Party MP for Samut Prakan province.
Police General Assawin Kwanmuang, an advisor to the Royal Thai Police, said on Wednesday that the gunman appeared to be an expert in heavy arms. Initial probing has found that an M16 or a tavor assault rifle was used in the night's attack, which took place in the parking lot of Big C Department Store in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng area.
Pracha, who sustained three gunshot wounds and is currently hospitalised in Rama IX Hospital Bangkok, was reportedly in the driver's seat as the gunman fired at him from the back, from only one metre behind. Forensic officers found nine bullet holes at his car but no bullet casings were left at the scene.
Pracha, who was later confirmed safe by doctors, said he believed the attack against him was politically-motivated. Police have acknowledged, however, that they are considering a personal conflict between the former Samut Prakan MP and a government official as another possible reason behind the attack.
The gun attack against the former Puea Thai MP took place after he dropped off his driver and bodyguard. The bullets reportedly hit his shoulder. Earlier, a group of unidentified gunmen had sprayed bullets at his office.
Meanwhile, Thai National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potphosree said that he had ordered local police forces to provide tight security for political candidates in the run-up to the country's new general election in mid 2011, as requested by the Election Commission. (TNA)
Police General Assawin Kwanmuang, an advisor to the Royal Thai Police, said on Wednesday that the gunman appeared to be an expert in heavy arms. Initial probing has found that an M16 or a tavor assault rifle was used in the night's attack, which took place in the parking lot of Big C Department Store in Samut Prakan's Phra Pradaeng area.
Pracha, who sustained three gunshot wounds and is currently hospitalised in Rama IX Hospital Bangkok, was reportedly in the driver's seat as the gunman fired at him from the back, from only one metre behind. Forensic officers found nine bullet holes at his car but no bullet casings were left at the scene.
Pracha, who was later confirmed safe by doctors, said he believed the attack against him was politically-motivated. Police have acknowledged, however, that they are considering a personal conflict between the former Samut Prakan MP and a government official as another possible reason behind the attack.
The gun attack against the former Puea Thai MP took place after he dropped off his driver and bodyguard. The bullets reportedly hit his shoulder. Earlier, a group of unidentified gunmen had sprayed bullets at his office.
Meanwhile, Thai National Police Chief Police General Wichean Potphosree said that he had ordered local police forces to provide tight security for political candidates in the run-up to the country's new general election in mid 2011, as requested by the Election Commission. (TNA)
