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Thai Protesters Call for Massive Rally Following Grenade Attack

20 November 2008

A man injured from blast among protesters in Bangkok recieves medical attention
A man injured from blast among protesters in Bangkok recieves medical attention
Leaders with Thailand's anti-government movement have called for a massive rally Sunday after a grenade attack Thursday killed one protester and injured 23 others.

Leaders of the People's Alliance for Democracy blame the government for the attack and say they will no longer tolerate what they say are the government's daily brutal crackdowns.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat denies PAD's accusations, and says it is not government policy to use violence against the protesters.

The attack occurred Thursday on the grounds of the prime minister's official compound, which has been occupied by protesters for nearly three months.

No one has claimed responsibility for the blast and protesters have refused to allow police to enter the compound to investigate the blast.

Protesters have been calling for the administration to step down since they began occupying Thailand's Government House compound in late August.

Protesters say the current administration is too close to deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

The standoff has paralyzed the government and led to fears that it would plunge Thailand into economic chaos.

Today's attack is not the first to disrupt the protesters' sit-in. Earlier this month, an unidentified attacker lobbed an explosive at the protesters, wounding at least one person. Ten people were wounded in a similar bombing October 30.


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