Phuket protesters safe after fatal attack in Bangkok

PHUKET: No Phuket protesters were injured in the grenade and assault rifle attack at Democracy Monument in Bangkok early this morning.

The attack injured 22 protesters and killed two (story here).

“It took place about 100 meters from our protesters’ tents at about 2:30am,” said Amnuay Kumban, a People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC) protest coordinator in Phuket.

“Someone fired an M79 grenade at anti-government protesters, then suspects in a pick-up truck fired M16 rifles at our guards and protesters,” explained Mr Amnuay.

“We do not have weapons to protect ourselves,” Mr Amnuay said. “We have only PDRC guards and our own caution.”

“Everyone knows that if something like this happens, we are to follow the instructions of our guards and leaders. That’s all we can do.”

The protesters are concerned about their safety, but are determined to stay and support Mr Suthep, Mr Amnuay said.

“As far as I know, nobody went back to Phuket after the attack,” he said.

More than 1,000 Phuket PDRC supporters left the island to join fellow protesters in Bangkok on May 8 (story here).

“Today’s plan is for one group to mass at the Election Commission, led by PDRC leader Suthep Thaugsuban. The purpose is to let the officers know that we accept a new election, but only after the country has a new, clean government that is free of corrupt politicians,” Mr Amnuay explained.

“Another group is on its way to the new Acting Prime Minister Niwattumrong Boonsongpisan to ask him to step down and not help perpetuate a corrupt government.”

Other Phuket supporters were to gather at the Government House.

— Chutharat Plerin