Ratchaprasong area unsafe; terrorists mix among protesters

BANGKOK, April 15 (TNA) – Ratchaprasong business district now held by anti-government Red Shirt protesters has been declared unsafe as a group of terrorists has infiltrated the protesters, Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd, spokesman of the Centre for the Resolution of the Emergency Situation (CRES) said.

He said the terrorist group could use heavy weapons against soldiers and police, and protesters could themselves become victims as well

“Members of the public and protesters shouldn’t assemble at Ratchaprasong intersection now, and their families should inform them that terrorists are now mingling with the protesters,”according to Col Sansern.

Stressing that legal action will have to be taken against lawbreakers, Col Sansern said CRES is concerned that stolen army weapons, used last Saturday during the bloody April 10 clashes with UDD protesters along Ratchadamnoen Avenue, could be used by terrorists.

He said CRES is determined to adopt stern legal action in order to restore peace in the country.

“Losses may be incurred but armed terrorists cannot be permitted to wander in the heart of the city and mingle with protesters,” said Col Sansern. He said there is sufficient evidence showing that the terrorists in the April 10 incident are the same group which earlier sabotaged several areas in Bangkok.

Col Sansern showed video sequences of the April 10 incident showing suspects carrying M-79 grenade launchers at the rally site.

He said the people who attempted to create unrest may be terrorists mingling among the protesters.

He also showed a video clip, featuring a Red Shirt leader Arisman Pongruangrong, saying on a temporary stage outside Army headquarters that an unknown force took sides with the protesters and that it was ready to oppose the Army. (TNA)