Deadly attacks on opposition rallies in Bangkok, 2 killed, 20 hurt
Sunday, 23 February 2014
An explosion has killed two people and wounded more than 20 others near an anti-government protest rally in the Thai capital Bangkok.
A boy aged 12 and a 40-year-old woman died in the attack near the Central World shopping mall, officials said.
It came hours after gunmen opened fire on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, killing a five-year-old girl.
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra condemned the attacks, describing them as “terrorist acts for political gain”.
She said her government would not tolerate terrorism, and ordered a full investigation.
Tensions across Thailand have escalated since a wave of anti-government protests began in November.
The demonstrators want Ms Yingluck to resign to make way for an appointed interim government, but she has refused.
Last week, several people were killed in clashes that erupted in Bangkok when police began clearing protest sites, according to a news agency.