Grenade attack wounds two soldiers in Bangkok army unit

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) – Unidentified attackers fired six M79 grenades into a Bangkok-based army unit, wounding two soldiers.

Col Nutthawat Akanibutr, commander of the First Infantry Regiment, said six M79 grenades were fired into his unit on Vibhavadi Rangsit road but only four exploded.

Sgt Maj First Class Preecha Pansamut was wounded in the abdomen and Pvt Noom Srifueng was wounded in the arm as they were on duty at the checkpoint near the entrance.

Col Nuttawat said he believed that the grenades were fired from a vehicle on an inbound lane of Vibhavadi Rangsit Road.

Col Dr Pheerapol Pokpong, head of the Pramongkutklao Hospital information centre, said the condition of the two soldiers was not severe.

Sgt-Maj Preecha is conscious and is to have an operation to remove shrapnel, while Pvt Noom is being treated in an emergency unit.

Maj-Gen Kanpanat Rutdit, Commissioner of the First Division of the King’s Guard stepped up security at the 1st Infantry where homes of senior officials including Army Chief Gen. Anupong Paojinda are located. (TNA)