PAD office attacked in North
Published: 24/08/2009 at 12:00 AM
Newspaper section: NewsHome-made bombs have been hurled into the compound of a People's Alliance for Democracy office in Chiang Mai province, damaging two cars and smashing a glass door.
A 60-year-old woman attending a merit-making ceremony for the opening of the office sustained a broken leg, but it was not clear whether her injury was caused by the explosion.
The attack took place at 2pm yesterday at the office of the PAD northern network on Kong Sai Road, opposite Mor Wong hospital, a source said.
Witnesses said two vans carrying about 20 people wearing crash helmets pulled up in front of the office. The attackers, armed with batons, walked towards the office and tried to assault those attending the merit-making ceremony.
Shortly after, the sound of a bomb blast was heard, causing people inside to flee in panic.
Sarut Kanchanakamol, assistant manager of Mor Wong hospital, said he believed the attack was the work of a rival group. Police said there was evidence the bombs used in the attack were mostly ping pong bombs.
A source said a community radio station operated by a pro-Thaksin Shinawatra group in Chiang Mai had in the morning urged red shirt supporters to gather and they were told not to wear red.
In another development, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva yesterday warned red shirt members led by the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) leaders to reconsider whether it was suitable to wear black to mark Privy Council president Prem Tinsulanonda's 89th birthday today.
Mr Abhisit said they should think of the importance of peace in society before making such a move.
He was responding to a call for red shirt members to wear black - as if in mourning - to mark Gen Prem's birthday.
The prime minister also said he had assigned security officials to handle the UDD's planned rally in front of Government House next Sunday.
Senate Speaker Prasopsuk Boondej also appealed to the UDD to end its movement after it submitted its petition seeking a royal pardon for convicted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
In a different development, the May Heroes Relatives Group came out yesterday to oppose the coalition Bhumjaithai Party's proposed amnesty bill for political demonstrators who took to the streets last year and this year.
Group leader Adul Khieoboriboon said his group disagreed with the bill as it would clear security officers of using force during crackdowns on demonstrators.
The May Heroes Relatives Group was formed to remember those killed or maimed by government forces during the May 1992 protests which led to the dismissal of the government led by the unelected Gen Suchinda Kraprayoon.
