THAILAND: BANGKOK: Gunfire and explosions at Democracy Monument leave five wounded

THAI PBS

Five anti-government protesters were injured by gunshots and explosions which happened before dawn near the site where several thousands of protesters were gathering to hear their leaders giving speeches demanding the ouster of the caretaker prime minister.

The five injured were admitted to Ramathibodi and Central  hospitals. Doctors  said now condition of all the injured are safe.

According to guards providing security for protesters, gunshots and explosions were heard in front of Rattanakosin hotel on Rajadamnoen Avenue where several protesters were gathering.

They said gunman riding on the pillion of a motorcycle fired several shots and the protesters while riding down the Pinkklao bridge at about 2.00.a.m.

Meanwhile at 4.00.explosions and gunshots were also heard near Yaek Kokwua intersection. In both incidents five protesters were injured, the guards said.

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Seven persons were injured in a series of gunfire and bomb explosions at the protest site of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) throughout midnight and before dawn today.

They said the injured were rushed to hospitals from Yaek Kokwua intersection and from the Rattanakosin hotel. All are now safe.

Among the injured is a ThaiPBS channel photographer Panuwat Ritthitham. A bullet was said to penetrate his trouser but caused no injury except a small bullet hole.

Gunshots were fired near the Rattanakosin hotel at 2.00 a.m. by  drive-by gunmen riding motorcycles.

Explosions and gunshots were also heard near Yaek Kokwua intersection causing tourists visiting Khao Sarn road to running in panic.
Periodic gunfire and explosions were also heard until daybreak.

The gunfire and explosions left seven protesters injured with no death.

Earlier security guards of the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand arrested one plainclothes policeman and a soldier for assaulting a guard. Both were in drunk, they said.

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A youth was shot in the leg and a man was injured from explosion. The two were admitted to the Central Hospital for treatment.

Later at 4.00 a.m. today Erawan Emergency Center director Patpong Kamchornkitkan said five were injured in the gunfire and small bomb attacks. Three were admitted to the Central Hospital,  one at Vajira and another at Ramathibodi hospitals. All are now safe.

Guards of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee said gunman riding on the pillion of a motorcycle fired several gunshots at protesters near Rattanakosin hotel while riding down Pinklao bridge and sped. The incident happened at about 2.30 a.m.

Meanwhile there were explosions at Siyaek Kokwua intersection and gunfire at 4.00 a.m.

The two incidents left five protesters injured.