Thailand’s prime minster denies government’s role in Bangkok blasts
Thailand’s junta chief brushes aside allegations that his military administration has been behind the recent twin bomb blasts outside a shopping mall in the capital, Bangkok.
Thai Prime Minister and Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha said on Tuesday that he became upset by remarks on social media speculating that the bombings help justify the continued imposition of martial law in the country.
“Some have countered that this was work of the government in order to maintain martial law. They are brains damaged [sic],” media outlets quoted Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying.
However, he did not rule out the possible involvement of some ‘rogue elements’ within security forces in the bombings.
“If this was the work of rogue policemen or soldiers they must be punished,” the premier noted.
He assured that security forces were looking for two men seen on CCTV shortly before the explosive devices detonated in the commercial area.
At least two people were injured after homemade explosive devices went off outside the Siam Paragon mall on February 1.
The blasts are considered to be the first major disruption to an uneasy peace imposed after the military took over in a coup in May 2014.
The developments came ten days after ousted prime minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, was impeached by the parliament.
Shinawatra was impeached and banned from politics for five years. She faces criminal charges over allegations of corruption. She was widely accused of using her political office to facilitate the return of her deposed brother and former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra.
Political factions loyal to Shinawatra family have won every election since 2001, in the process facing two coups and the disposal of three premiers by Thailand’s courts.
The democratic development in Thailand has been interrupted by 19 actual or attempted coups since 1932.
JR/HSN/SS
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