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31295
Thu, 11/20/2008 - 15:14
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http://m.oananews.org//node/31295
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Protest leaders seek protection from police, armed forces after grenade attack
BANGKOK, Nov 20 (TNA) - The core leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) met urgently Thursday morning after an apparent rifle grenade attack early Thursday on PAD protesters encamped in the Government House compound, killing one protester and wounding 24 others.
The explosion occured about 3.30 am Thursday, when an explosive device fell into the Government House compound which the protesters have occupied since August 26.
The PAD's initial investigation showed that the projectile was likely to be a military issue M-79 rifle grenade shot into the compound from outside.
The core PAD leaders met to consider measures to prevent future attacks and pressed the authorities to find the assailants.
Gen. Pathomphong Kesornsuk, former chairman of the Supreme Command's Advisory Committee, said after inspecting the scene that the 50 centimetre hole found in the tent's roof while two big holes found at the floor in front of the main stage where the projectile fell.
The general, a PAD supporter, said he believed the device was an M-79 grenade that was fired by a grenade launcher from a building of the Office of the Civil Service Commission that is opposite to Government House.
He added that the M-79 launcher had effective range of 150-350 metres against specific targets and that kit was similar to the earlier attacks against PAD aiming both to intimidate and harm the protesters.
Gen. Pathomphong said PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang, a retired major-general, would formally petition the army chief, Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander, National Police Chief to extend more protection to persons joining the protest in the Government House compound and bring the assailants to justice.
It was believed that the assailants may be in military circle as they are well trained in weapons, he said.
He also called on the army commander as well as other military, air, naval and police brass to apply measures to ensure the safety of the people. (TNA)
The explosion occured about 3.30 am Thursday, when an explosive device fell into the Government House compound which the protesters have occupied since August 26.
The PAD's initial investigation showed that the projectile was likely to be a military issue M-79 rifle grenade shot into the compound from outside.
The core PAD leaders met to consider measures to prevent future attacks and pressed the authorities to find the assailants.
Gen. Pathomphong Kesornsuk, former chairman of the Supreme Command's Advisory Committee, said after inspecting the scene that the 50 centimetre hole found in the tent's roof while two big holes found at the floor in front of the main stage where the projectile fell.
The general, a PAD supporter, said he believed the device was an M-79 grenade that was fired by a grenade launcher from a building of the Office of the Civil Service Commission that is opposite to Government House.
He added that the M-79 launcher had effective range of 150-350 metres against specific targets and that kit was similar to the earlier attacks against PAD aiming both to intimidate and harm the protesters.
Gen. Pathomphong said PAD core leader Chamlong Srimuang, a retired major-general, would formally petition the army chief, Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander, National Police Chief to extend more protection to persons joining the protest in the Government House compound and bring the assailants to justice.
It was believed that the assailants may be in military circle as they are well trained in weapons, he said.
He also called on the army commander as well as other military, air, naval and police brass to apply measures to ensure the safety of the people. (TNA)
