Phuket protesters mourn death of Prakong, blame government

PHUKET: Protesters will gather tonight at Phuket Provincial Hall (map here) to mourn the death of Prakong Choochan, who died from injuries sustained in an attack on anti-government demonstrators in Bangkok yesterday.

“We are devastated by what happened. He was fighting for our country,” said Phuket protest co-ordinator Amnuay Kumban.

The 46-year-old taxi driver was one of 36 people injured when an explosive was thrown at them as they marched down Banthad Thong Road (story here).

“Mr Prakong died because the government failed to protect the protesters. In fact, I believe the government was behind the attack,” Mr Amnuay told the Phuket Gazette.

Mr Prakong’s relatives are holding a ceremony in Bangkok before making arrangements for the body to be transported to Phuket for another ceremony.

— Irfarn Jamdukor