Isoc : Smoke grenade attack on PPP a set-up

General News - Wednesday December 19, 2007

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Isoc : Smoke grenade attack on PPP a set-up

The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) has insinuated that a smoke grenade ''attack'' on a People Power party (PPP) campaign centre in Lat Phrao on Monday night was a set-up. Isoc spokesman Col Thanathip Sawangsaeng made the suggestion yesterday as authorities were investigating the attack that took place on Sukhonthasawat road on Monday night.

Two men on a motorcycle, which had no licence plate, were reported to have thrown a green smoke grenade into the centre.

They then tossed an MK-2 hand grenade but its lever was fastened securely with tape and its safety pin was still in place.

Patrolling police came across the men but only managed to grab a jacket worn by one of the suspects.

Col Thanathip said the Isoc agreed the attack was not aimed at harming anyone and looked to be a set-up to cause havoc.

''The area is usually congested between 8am and 5pm but the incident took place at 10pm when the area was almost deserted.

''So it can be assumed that the attackers did not target lives. I'd like people to think who would benefit from the incident,'' the Isoc spokesman said.

The target of the attack was the campaign centre for PPP candidates Yuranant Pamornmontri, Poowinida Khunplin and Chalermchai Mahakitsiri who are running in Bangkok's constituency 3.

The PPP candidates insisted yesterday their party had nothing to do with the grenade attack. They did not need to resort to such tactics because they were well-received by voters, they said.

Bangkok police chief Pol Lt-Gen Asawin Khwanmuang said the grenade attack was the work of hooligans.

However, police have said they are not overly concerned about security in the capital for Sunday's election as competition was not heavy in Bangkok.

Bangkok Post