BANGKOK: A series of blasts were detonated on Thursday near a massive encampment of anti-government protesters in Bangkok, wounding 28 people and sending passengers running from the station, according to witnesses and local media.
The cause of the blasts, in the heart of the Thai capital's business district, was not immediately known. The area has seen Red Shirt protesters, who are demanding Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva resign, and troops face off over the past several days.
More recently, a rival mob has rallied in the area, occasionally hurling stones and insults at the Red Shirts, creating a volatile mix. Several of the blasts were near where the rivals have gathered.
Previously, explosions at the site have been from fireworks. The TPBS television network reported 28 people wounded, including three foreigners. Associated Press reporters saw at least four people injured after four blasts, two with serious wounds.
The streets were full of people tending to the injured and carrying away casualties.
The Red Shirts, who believe Mr. Abhisit came to power illegitimately and are pushing for him to call elections immediately, have rallied in the streets for several weeks. On Thursday, the army warned that time was running out for the protesters to clear the streets, warning they would crack down soon.
“To take people in Bangkok hostage is not right,” army spokesman Col. Sansern Kaewkamnerd warned the Red Shirts. “Your time to leave the area is running out.” The Army has issued several warnings that it will move to break up the protests if they are not ended voluntarily. They are already in violation of several laws, including a state of emergency.
Prospects for a peaceful solution to the political crisis appear slim, and every night brings a new flurry of rumours of an imminent crackdown. — AP
