Bangkok: Protest guards did not shoot at soldiers, activist says

[webfact]

Protest Guards Did Not Shoot At Soldiers, Activist Says
By Khaosod English


Police officers and soldiers inspecting the scene of shooting in Soi Likhit, 6 April 2014

BANGKOK: -- Head of anti-government protesters' security force has disputed reports that their members have shot and wounded two soldiers on their patrol.

One sergeant and one corporal were reportedly shot at by unidentified assailants as they patrolled the area in Soi Likhit behind Wat Benchamabopit Temple on the night of 5 April, close to the campsite manned by anti-government protesters, police said.

Media reports indicate that the pair did not the wear uniforms at the time. Police said both soldiers were shot in their shoulders.

After inspecting the crime scene with forensic officers, Pol.Lt.Col. Sitthisak Nakamart said the police found one 11 mm. handgun bullet and residues of bullet's copper jacket in the area.

According to Pol.Lt.Col. Sitthisak, witnesses told police the soldiers were a part of 5-member patrol team, and they were patrolling the road near protest campsite on motorcycle on the night of the incident. He said unidentified shooters opened fire at the team at around 21.00, wounding them and causing them to fall off their motorcycle, while the rest of the patrol team scurried away for safety.

Pol.Lt.Col. Sitthisak added that the wounded soldiers "are not in the condition to give any testimony", and witnesses to the shooting claimed they could not clearly see the attackers, while public CCTVs in the area were somehow titled upward and unable to capture moments of the incident.

However, Pol.Gen. Worapong Chiewpreecha, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, said in a press conference that security guards employed by anti-government protesters were most likely responsible for the shooting, citing evidence gathered by the police.

"The investigation on the ballistics has pointed to the position of the NSRT," Pol.Gen. Worapong said, referring to the Network of Students and People for the Reform of Thailand, "It indicates that the demonstrators were armed. The police have previously tried to intercept these weapons by setting up checkpoints, and we must double our effort".

He also vowed to seek search warrant from the court so the police can search for any weapons inside the NSRT campsite.

But Mr. Nasser Yeehma, head of the NSRT's security guards unit, told reporters that his security team was certainly not responsible for the shooting, as the incident occurred outside the area maintained and monitored by NSRT guards.

As a gesture of goodwill, Mr. Nasser said his representatives will send flower basket to the wounded soldiers who are currently in hospital. Nevertheless, he voiced his suspicion over why the two soldiers were not wearing uniforms at the time.

"Let me stress that the NSRT is rallying in peaceful manner and without any weapons," Mr. Nasser said.

Meanwhile, Lt.Gen. Abhirat Kongsomphong, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said he believes the soldiers were shot "due to misunderstanding", without naming anyone as suspected perpetrators.

Lt.Gen. Abhirak added that the army has already lodged complaints over the shooting at Dusit Police Station.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1396861379


-- Khaosod English 2014-04-07

[ikke]

Another attack of the non-violent supporters....Not only strange understanding about democracy but also on violence.

I wonder how long it will take for the Lovers of Suthep to come up with blaming the red's.....

[thesetat2013]

WOW Ikke! You sound like you know for sure those shots came from the Lovers of Suthep. It seems to me kind of odd that when they were shot that they were not near the protest site. Maybe you could share how you came to the verdict that they were guilty since you must have been a witness to this crime? Or is this what innuendo Thaksin wants spread?

Sent from my GT-S5310 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[seajae]

probably reds sneaking up on the students and were cornered by the soldiers, so much for the high velocity rifles claimed by the police, turns out to be from pistols which means close quarters as these idiots are hopeless shots. This again makes it unlikely to be protest guards as they are near the groups not away in the side streets, looks like the police are trying to pull another swifty like their "kidnap navy personel" crap a while back, just bullsh*t claims form red supporters is all.

[WoopyDoo]

However, Pol.Gen. Worapong Chiewpreecha, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, said in a press conference that security guards employed by anti-government protesters were most likely responsible for the shooting, citing evidence gathered by the police.

When did the police EVER come out when someone attacked anti-gov protesters of blew up those 4 children, and say that the red shirts were most likely responsible for THOSE attacks????????

NEVER!!!

[Robby nz]

They seem to be putting a lot of effort into this shooting that can possibly be pinned on the protesters.

Yet the other shooting and bombing of army personal looks to have been forgotten, but then there is no chance of laying that on the protesters.

Posted Today, 06:49 (now yesterday)

Two soldiers injured in gun and bomb attack

BANGKOK: -- Two soldiers standing guard at a security bunker near Benchamabophit Temple were seriously injured when unknown number of armed men opened fire and threw a hand grenade at their bunker Saturday night.

The Erawan emergency centre said the two soldiers were rushed to Ramathibodi hospital for emergency operation.

Both were wounded on the chest and doctors have to insert tubes to drain blood from their chests.

The scene of attack is near the Royal Plaza where a police tow truck was damaged when two men riding on a motorcycle planted a TNT explosive beneath the vehicle and escaped Friday night. Shortly after they fled the bomb exploded.

Nobody was injured but the explosion caused a crater on the concrete road and punctured the tyre of the truck.

The Center said since the political violence broke out at end of November last year until Saturday, 21 people have been killed and 736 injured

Source: http://englishnews.t...gun-bomb-attack

[Bluespunk]

What's happened with the witness who said they stopped two 'guards' from shooting these two soldiers in the head?

[somchaismith]

What's happened with the witness who said they stopped two 'guards' from shooting these two soldiers in the head?

Probably just something that the media made up or a rumor which they attempted to turn into a fact.

[GeorgeO]

Another attack of the non-violent supporters....Not only strange understanding about democracy but also on violence.

I wonder how long it will take for the Lovers of Suthep to come up with blaming the red's.....

ikke, you will only gain credibility when you make such comments against all attacks. Where was your response to the attacks against the peaceful, yes peaceful, protesters who died, including children?

You are so quick to come to the conclusion that this was the work of anti-government protesters/guards, despite the fact that there are already major differences between the initial report and the current statements (high-powered weapons vs handgun, and of course, the alleged witness).

This story is so full of holes that even a moron wouldn't put any faith in it. You might like to revise your first sentence, possibly to "another (failed) attack on the non-violent supporters"...!

[phantomfiddler]

Another attack of the non-violent supporters....Not only strange understanding about democracy but also on violence.

I wonder how long it will take for the Lovers of Suthep to come up with blaming the red's.....

How about right now ! It,s what they (the redshirts) do ! I am not a disciple of Suthep, but I do know that almost ALL of the violence is initiated by these goons

[Nickymaster]

Another attack of the non-violent supporters....Not only strange understanding about democracy but also on violence.

I wonder how long it will take for the Lovers of Suthep to come up with blaming the red's.....

You mention all of this crap because you put 100% faith in the police force.

However, Pol.Gen. Worapong Chiewpreecha, deputy chief of the Royal Thai Police, said in a press conference that security guards employed by anti-government protesters were most likely responsible for the shooting, citing evidence gathered by the police.

[rebelplatoon]

Guess ikke got his ass kicked on here.... Anyway, there's quite a few weird things about this story. One being they were dressed in plain clothes. But they are supposed to be a task force. It is a lot easier and helpful if everyone knows who's who especially with all the attacks by the red militia against peaceful protestors. There is no evidence whatsoever to say that it was PRDC guards but they keep repeating it. So either back it up with proof or they are innocent until proven guilty. Same rules for everyone. Until that time, I don't believe a thing they say. They are in the pocket of the Sae Khu clan.

[smedly]

What's happened with the witness who said they stopped two 'guards' from shooting these two soldiers in the head?

It was obviously all bullshit as I stated on the original news story

Believe nothing if the report is coming from government sources - simple as that

[Mentors]

Another bloody attack from the peaceful Yellow Whistle Mob.

[GeorgeO]

Another bloody attack from the peaceful Yellow Whistle Mob.

?

[rametindallas]

Another bloody attack from the peaceful Yellow Whistle Mob.

Troll. And a stupid one at that. Is that all you have to say, dumbass?