4 small explosions set off near protest site in Thai capital; at least 4 wounded

Small blasts wound 4 take near protests in Bangkok

BANGKOK — A series of small explosions went off Thursday near the massive encampment of anti-government protesters in Bangkok, wounding at least four people.

An Associated Press reporter saw two injured people taken away for treatment after the first three blasts Thursday night. After a later fourth blast, AP reporters saw two seriously injured people lying motionless.

The cause of the blasts on was not immediately known. Witnesses said the first explosions occurred at an elevated train station in the heart of the capital’s business district.

The area is garrisoned by troops who have been stationed on an elevated walkway leading to the station. On the streets below, the anti-government Red Shirt protesters have erected a formidable looking barrier of sharpened bamboo sticks and old tires atop which their guards perch. Behind the Red Shirts’ line is their redoubt, which extends for more than a mile (2 kilometers) up to another intersection, where tens of thousands of supporters gather around a stage to hear nearly nonstop speeches.

Across from the Red Shirt wall are several police trucks, dozens of police in riot gear, and a few hundred anti-Red Shirt demonstrators, who are waving Thai flags and hurling abuse at their opponents.

On Wednesday, that group threw rocks and bottles at the Red Shirts across another road from them.

Previously explosions at the site have been from fireworks.

Anger among Bangkok residents is mounting against the Red Shirts, who have entrenched themselves in the capital’s commercial district to demand that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva dissolve Parliament and call new elections immediately.