PAD to respond to grenade attack

The PAD is expected to hold a press conference around 10.00 am.

M-79 grenade was fired with a launcher from an unknown location to attack the crowds before dawn and exploded near the PAD rally stage inside Government House, PAD spokeswoman Anchalee Paireelak said.

A Chon Buri man, later identified as Jenjit Kladsakorn, 48, died upon arrival at hospital from a neck wound caused by shrapnel. Another man Yuthachai Luepak, 39, has sustained serious injuries in the neck and nose and is undergoing surgery.

Immediately after the explosion, the PAD blocked police and reporters from entering the scene. The rally activities continue and speakers take turn to address the crowds informing them about the attack and casualties.

Defence permanent secretary General Apichart Penkitti said it was difficult to prevent the attack even though authorities anticipated the eruption of violence.

Apichart said the situation remained under the control of police.