Who is trying to strike fear in Bangkok Shutdown ?

For a few days now there has been isolated attacks against demonstrators who started the Bangkok Shutdown on Monday : shootings, bombs at the house of the leader of the Democratic Party or at rally sites. The latest attack took place this afternoon and left 36 injured, according to the latest report .

Probably because of the precedent of 2010, when the intervention of the army to disperse the Red Shirts who blocked for two months the shopping malls area in Bangkok causing 90 deads and hundred. of injured people, the thai government decided to let Bangkok Shutdown happen. The police mission is even to protect the demonstrators. If there was not any violence from clashes between security forces and actors of the paralysis of the Thai capital city, isolated incidents took place and seem to multiply for three days. Frist there was a shooting at Democrat paty Headquarter, then a bomb hit Abhisit Vejjajiva’s home, leader of the same party. Armed assailants opened fire on protesters, bombs exploded… And the latest incident happen this Friday when a grenade was thrown at Banthat Thong Road while PDRC were walking. More than thirty were injured. The blast happened 200 meters from Suthep Thaugsuban, leader of the protest, which was maybe the target of the attack. This isolated acts clearly intend to instigate fear among anti-government protesters and undermine their mobilization. Many seem to think that Red Shirt activists are behind these attacks, other than the purpose of these attacks is to force the army to intervene and may even been part of Suthep strategy. Anyway the violence is more and more present.

So more than ever, if you are in Bangkok, avoid to be near gatherings of protesters. Bangkok’s blocakde will be continue at least until February 2, when early elections will take place although discussions are initiated to delay them.