Thai king's adviser targeted in violent attack
The Nation/ Ann, Bangkok
Thai Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, an adviser to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, was barricaded inside his house late Sunday night (July 22) as anti-coup demonstrators threw a barrage of rocks, chairs and debris into the compound.In the first major outbreak of violence since the anti-coup movement started in September, protesters from the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship (DADD) clashed with police outside Prem's home. Several thousand people kept up the barrage of missiles for about three hours as Prem was reportedly taking shelter inside. Television footage showed a number of people were injured, but police late last night released no figures, but some reports said an officer had his leg broken. As the violence began to wane at about midnight, chairman of the Council for National Security General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said there was no need to impose a state of emergency.
|
Anti-coup protestors fight with police during a scuffle near the house of Prem Tinasulanond, the King's top adviser, in Bangkok Sunday. Thai police used tear gas and a baton charge to disperse thousands of pro-democracy protestors who were trying to reach Prem Tinasulanond house. PHOTO: AFP |
