Overnight attacks on Silom and Lumpini

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Overnight attacks on Silom and Lumpini 
The Nation: 8 May 2010
LUMPINI ATTACK
Two policemen killed and many others injured in double attacks
By The Nation

At least two policemen were killed while seven others policemen and two civilians were wounded in the double shooting and bomb attack on Silom Road and at a police checkpoint at Lumpini Park on Friday night.

The first attack occurred at 10.45pm just in front of Krung Thai Bank near Soi Saladaeng. Assailants on a motorcycle opened fire at a group of policemen who were guarding in front of the bank.

The attack hit three policemen and two passer-bys. One of the policeman, Pol Cpl Kannupan Lertchanpen, suffered a serious wound on his stomach, died later at a hospital.

Police believed that the assailants on a motorcycle riding from Silom Road opened fire from a MC Donald shop opposite the bank before escaping to Rama IV Road.

The attack was on a small group of people protesting against red shirts at Saladaeng intersection. Police were keeping security there to prevent clashes between the two groups of protesters.

Firecracker explosions had been heard from Lumpini before the shooting.

Later at 1.30am Saturday morning, at least three M79 grenades were fired at a police and soldier checkpoint near Lumpini gate 4, injuring five police, one seriously.

The policeman, Pol Sgt Wittaya Promsalee, who suffered wounds on his chest, was pronounced dead at the hospital.

The injured policemen were deployed from from Hangnam Sakorn, Chainat province. They were rushed to Rama and Chulalongkorn hospitals.

Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Pongsatat Pongcharoen said police believed the grenades were M79.

He said the two attacks must be done by the same group of people who want to destabilise the situation.