Deputy PM Suthep to convene security meeting after Bangkok bomb incidents

BANGKOK, Feb 15 (TNA) – Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Monday afternoon will convene a meeting of security agencies following an explosion near Government House and a bomb discovery at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions over the weekend.

A grenade attack occurred about 11pm on Saturday at Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon, 50 metres from Government House.

Police believe that the grenade fired from a vehicle on Rama V Road was aimed at Government House but missed its target.

In another incident, police bomb experts Sunday defused an explosive device hidden in a cardboard carton at the Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Holders of Political Positions.

Alerted by a security guard at 9.30am that a box wrapped with electrical wire was found near the court, police rushed to the scene and sprayed water on the box, which contained some three pounds of C4 explosive. If detonated, the bomb could have caused severe damage to people and buildings within a 50 metre radius.

No one was injured in either incident.

Mr Suthep conceded that the weekend incidents were unanticipated by the government. However he stated that he saw no need to implement the Internal Security Act.

Monday’s meeting will deal with security measures in response to and to prevent incidents affecting public order and safety.

Security will be heightened at the Supreme Court compound and to protect its judges.

Disturbances are expected to intensify ahead of the Supreme Court ruling on assets seizure of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra on February 26.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva has ordered agencies concerned to find bombers and directed government offices to boost security measures.

The car normally transporting the prime minister to Government House has been changed. Security has been tightened for him as his motorcade was interrupted by two cars in two separate incidents on Saturday.

The security team forced the cars to slow down and no one was hurt in either incident. (TNA)