Thailand’s Weekend of Blasts and Gunfire: 4 Dead, At Least 56 Injured

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra described the attacks as “terrorist acts” that would not be tolerated by the government, and ordered a full investigation into both incidents, where so far no one has been charged. Since the protests began 3 months and 3 weeks ago, the death toll in Thailand has risen to 20 dead, with 686 injured.

Saturday’s attack took place at a busy food market, where 500 protesters were shot at by unknown assailants from their pick-up truck. Two explosive devices detonated simultaneously, killing the innocent girl, critically wounding several others, and injuring around 3 dozen people – many of whom were uninvolved with the anti-government rally. It appeared that most of the political violence since last year had been confined to Bangkok before Saturday’s deadly attacks.

The violence on Sunday occurred at around 5 p.m. near the Central World Mall, which is part of a busy district popular for both local and foreign visitors. Both opposing sides of the political battle have blamed each other for the violence, with the latest statement from Suthep Thaugsuban saying, “I can’t believe an elected government would do something so cruel and inhuman.”

An update on the death toll occurred today, Monday 24^th February, when it was reported that the 6-year-old girl did not survive brain and liver injuries sustained during Sunday’s attack. This news comes after her 4-year-old brother died the day before, meaning there have been 3 deaths from Sunday’s incident so far. Ramathibodi Hospital released a statement saying that a 9-year-old boy suffering from brain and lung damage is currently in intensive care.