BANGKOK, 30 Nov 2008: At least four explosions and a series of shootings rocked two sites occupied by anti-government protesters and a satellite television station in the capital early morning today, injuring about 50 people.
At the Government House, a grenade was launched just after midnight and landed near the main stage where the People’s Alliance for Democracy (PAD) leaders were giving speeches.
At least three were in serious condition, a police officer told reporters outside Ramathibody Hospital in the capital.
The PAD seized the Government House, which used to be the Prime Minister’s Office on 26 Aug, and took control of the Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports on Monday.
There have been a series of attacks on the site in the past few weeks, killing two people.
Two explosions also occurred at the ASTV station owned by PAD leader Sondhi Limthongkul as pro-government forces intensified their effort to close down the station which runs round-the-clock coverage of the movement’s activities at the three occupied government facilities.
At about 4am, a bomb exploded near a barricade of tyres put by PAD guards at the Don Muang Airport.
Despite declaring a state of emergency at the two airports, the government struggled to enforce order as the army and police were uncooperative.
Thailand president Serirat Prasutanon had announced that the two airports would remain closed until Tuesday.
Limited flights are now operating from the Utapao Airport near Pattaya.
Tension is also growing in the capital as the pro-government United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) will gather its supporters later today in Sanam Luang.
Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat, fearing for his safety, has fled to the northern city of Chiang Mai. — Bernama
