Two policemen die as hopes fade for end to Thai protests
Source: Agencies |
May 9, 2010, Sunday
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Print Edition
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HOPES for an end to Thailand's political crisis diminished yesterday following violence that killed two policemen and wounded 13 people in two night attacks.
The anti-government protest movement that has occupied central Bangkok for two months denied involvement.
The attacks came after the so-called Red Shirt movement signaled it was in general agreement with a government reconciliation plan and might soon end demonstrations that have shut down much of the capital's commercial district.
The protesters say they agree in principle with a proposal by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve Parliament and hold new elections -- their key demands -- but want more specific details and assurances that Abhisit has the full support of his coalition partners.
But late on Friday, the relative calm that had prevailed for several days was broken by an incident near where grenades exploded on April 22, killing one person and wounding several others. The area, close to a protesters' encampment, is guarded by many police and soldiers.
A witness, Decha Phoonpanang, said either a small explosive or gunshots whizzed past him, shattering the glass storefront of a bank and hitting two policemen -- one in the stomach -- and a man in the leg.
Just over two hours later, three explosions could be heard in an adjacent street that fronts a park, with police officers saying they believed them to be grenades.
The official Erawan Emergency Center said two policemen were killed in the two incidents. Most of those wounded were believed to be police.
Earlier on Friday, the Red Shirts -- formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, or UDD -- had reiterated their commitment to joining the government's reconciliation process.
"If everything ends without violence or loss of lives, the UDD will not consider that a victory of any particular party -- not the Red Shirts, not the government, but the whole country," said Nattawut Saikua, one of the group's leaders.
Activists who oppose the Red Shirts have denounced the peace offering and demanded Abhisit clear the encampments or step down.
The anti-government protest movement that has occupied central Bangkok for two months denied involvement.
The attacks came after the so-called Red Shirt movement signaled it was in general agreement with a government reconciliation plan and might soon end demonstrations that have shut down much of the capital's commercial district.
The protesters say they agree in principle with a proposal by Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva to dissolve Parliament and hold new elections -- their key demands -- but want more specific details and assurances that Abhisit has the full support of his coalition partners.
But late on Friday, the relative calm that had prevailed for several days was broken by an incident near where grenades exploded on April 22, killing one person and wounding several others. The area, close to a protesters' encampment, is guarded by many police and soldiers.
A witness, Decha Phoonpanang, said either a small explosive or gunshots whizzed past him, shattering the glass storefront of a bank and hitting two policemen -- one in the stomach -- and a man in the leg.
Just over two hours later, three explosions could be heard in an adjacent street that fronts a park, with police officers saying they believed them to be grenades.
The official Erawan Emergency Center said two policemen were killed in the two incidents. Most of those wounded were believed to be police.
Earlier on Friday, the Red Shirts -- formally known as the United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, or UDD -- had reiterated their commitment to joining the government's reconciliation process.
"If everything ends without violence or loss of lives, the UDD will not consider that a victory of any particular party -- not the Red Shirts, not the government, but the whole country," said Nattawut Saikua, one of the group's leaders.
Activists who oppose the Red Shirts have denounced the peace offering and demanded Abhisit clear the encampments or step down.
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