Violence grows as confrontation looms

The night saw three separate incidents: a "noise" bomb thrown against the home of a senior judge; a man, who appeared drunk, shot dead after insulting anti-government protesters; and an explosion near the rally site at Makkhawan Bridge, injuring 10 people.

Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat said police would beef up security for all judges of higher courts as a precaution following the attack on the house of Charan Phakdithanakul.

Anti-government People's Alliance for Democracy co-leader Chamlong Srimuang yesterday said he viewed the violence as a sign the government wanted to transform the political rifts into a full-blown war, "to suppress the people".

Chamlong also claimed the bomb attack on PAD-led protesters was part of the government's "crackdown conspiracy", which began with the heavy casualties of October 7.

He alleged that a pro-government person was hired to sabotage the PAD-led protests by committing arson at Government House.

Following the bombing, a number of men dressed in black mounted a gun attack on protesters, he said. No casualties were reported.

Chamlong claimed the government was trying to kill protesters in cold blood. He voiced disappointment that the military had ignored his plea for the deployment of military police to keep peace at the rally site.

Constitution Court Judge Charan said the bomb attack at his home might have been an intimidation tactic to scare and undermine the judiciary.

Somchai said police were investigating in order to unmask the culprits behind the violence.

He said police would remain vigilant at a pro-government rally scheduled for Saturday.

He also refused to intervene to stop a planned phone-in by ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra during the rally.

Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva said he suspected a concerted movement to provoke violence and criticised the prime minister for failing to quell it.

People Power Party MP Chatuporn Prompan said Wednesday's violent incidents were "cruel" and dismissed speculation the government was involved.

Meanwhile, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh yesterday called on Somchai to form a national unity government to help end the ongoing political crisis that is splitting the country.

Chavalit said there would be "an important incident" in a day or two but did not elaborate.