Thai government building hit by blast ahead of protest

27/03/2010
Bangkok Post

Riot-police and soldiers are seen standing guard during a 'Red Shirt' anti-government protest in Bangkok, on March 26. A small blast hit Thailand's customs department compound on Saturday, authorities said, ahead of a planned street protest by tens of thousands of anti-government campaigners.

A small blast hit Thailand's customs department compound Saturday, authorities said, ahead of a planned street protest by tens of thousands of anti-government campaigners.

The explosion was the latest in a series of about a dozen blasts, mostly caused by grenades, that have been set off in Bangkok and surrounding areas since the rolling demonstrations began on March 14.

Police said an explosive went off outside the government building in central Bangkok, shattering windows and damaging a van parked nearby, but caused no injuries.

"The bomb went off at 3:45 am, we still don't know type of bomb it was, we will have to wait for a forensic examination," said a district police officer.

Red-shirted supporters of ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra were massing Saturday before setting off on a new street parade as they continued their campaign to push for fresh elections.

The "Red Shirts", largely from poor northern areas, say the government is illegitimate because it came to power with army backing in a 2008 parliamentary vote, after a controversial court ruling removed Thaksin's allies.