REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BANGKOK -- Five people including a police officer died in the clash between police and anti-government protesters at Phan Fah Bridge yesterday, according to the Erawan Medical Center.
The latest victim is Jeerapong Chuichai, a 29-year-old man who was shot in his neck. He died at Vajira Hospital. Sixty-five persons were injured, said Dr Petchpong Kamjornkijakarn, centre director.
The other victims were Supot Boonrung, 52, Thanusak Rattanakot, 29, Sattha Sae Dan, 43, and police office Pol Snr Sgt Maj Pianchai Parawat, 45.
Pol Col Supachai Phuikaewkam, Pattaya police superintendent said he regretted the loss of life and injuries of police officers. The dead police officer's family will receive 50,000 baht as compensation and the injured will receive 10,000 baht each.
Col Supachai praised his subordinate Pol Sgt Adul Khetcaptain who kicked away a grenade thrown at a rank of anti-riot police to save his colleagues resulting in his own severe injuries in both legs from shrapnel wounds. Sgt Adul will undergo major surgery this afternoon.
The latest casualties added to the 685 injuries, 16 deaths and 35 hospitalised since the first violence was recorded at Ramkhamhaeng University on Nov 30 ? a month after anti-government protesters kicked off rallies against a parliamentary vote on the controversial Amnesty Bill.