More than 32 bank, malls, and buildings set on fire

BANGKOK, 20 May 2010 (NNT) — United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) rioters have set fire to a total of 35 spots since yesterday afternoon, according to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) spokesperson, Thanom Onketpon.

This includes 17 branches of five commercial banks, ten branches of Bangkok Bank, two branches of Krungthai Bank branches, one branch of Government Savings Bank, two branches of Kasikorn Bank, two Siam City Bank branches. In addition to banks, Siam movie theatre, buildings in Siam Square Soi 4-5, and an eight-story building is yet to be extinguished by the authorities.

Other buildings and shops include Central World, Center One Shopping Mall, Centara Grand Hotel, Grand Diamond Panthip, Metropolitan Electricity Authority in Klong Toey, Maleenont Tower, Stock Exchange of Thailand, Mahatun Plaza, a building next to Office of Narcotics Control Board (ONCB), a convenience store in front of the ONCB, one gold shop near Phayothin Soi one, a noodle shop near Anniversary Monument and Big C Ratchadamri.

According to Mr Thanom, Center One Shopping Mall is one of the malls receiving severe damages, as Central World has been declared a danger zone. Authorities are unable to enter the premise to extinguish the fire in Big C Ratchadamri due to the ongoing clashes between the troops and the UDD protesters.

Public sabotage and vandalism erupted yesterday after angry UDD protesters acted out against the core leader’s decision to stop the rally and surrender to the police.