Bangkok: A series of blasts that rocked
Bangkok's business district late today killed three people and
wounded more than 70, Thailand's deputy prime minister said.
"Three people died and more than 70 were injured," Suthep
Thaugsuban told reporters.
Five grenades were fired into a crowd of pro-government
demonstrators who were facing off with rival anti-government
"Red Shirt" protesters in the heart of the Thai capital,
officials and witnesses said.
Thai PM calls emergency security meeting after blasts
Thailand's prime minister called an
emergency meeting with security officials today after a series
of blasts rocked Bangkok's business district, leaving dozens
injured.
The blasts rocked an area of the capital where hundreds
of pro-government demonstrators were staging a rally to call
for an end to weeks of mass protests by the anti-government
"Red Shirts", amid a heavy troop presence.
"The prime minister has called an emergency meeting with
security officials," said government spokesman Panitan
Wattanayagorn, who said early reports suggested an M79 grenade
launcher caused the blasts.
At least 45 people were wounded, according to three
hospitals near the scene, including at least one foreigner.
PTI
First Published: Friday, April 23, 2010, 00:08