"Some soldiers fired live rounds at red shirt demonstrators to provide cover for injured comrades as they were retreating during Saturday's clashes, a spokesman for the Centre for Public Administration in Emergency Situations says. Col Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yestersday the soldiers had no choice but to open fire at terrorists hiding among demonstrators to protect their colleagues. They were ready to testify before the committee investigating the clashes.
The CPAES released its comments as public suspicions grow over the use of violence by government forces during the April 10 violence. Video footage, including news coverage by foreign media outlets, shows pictures of soldiers firing automatic guns in the direction of red shirt protesters.
Col Sansern told a news conference yesterday soldiers only fired live rounds for two reasons. First, they fired into the air to intimidate demonstrators, and then at advancing crowds to protect the lives of wounded comrades. They fired only one bullet at a time and did not switch to fully automatic to avoid causing more casualties, he said.
The CPAES showed reporters five video clips of Saturday's clashes. One of the clips showed soldiers firing at demonstrators. According to Col Sansern, the soldiers were protecting the injured as they were retreating from the area.In another clip, a red shirt demonstrator was shot in the head from behind. Col Sansern said judging from the direction, it meant the man was not shot by a soldier. . .
Meanwhile, Bangkok Emergency Medical Service's Erawan Centre yesterday confirmed two more deaths from the April 10 clash, bringing the number of fatalities to 23. The two latest victims are Pvt Anupol Hommalee, 29, and Napaton Paopanas, a 30-year-old civilian.Pvt Anupol succumbed to shrapnel wounds to his head, while Napaton died from a gunshot wound to his abdomen. The centre reported 195 injured civilians and soldiers are still in hospital, with 14 in a serious condition."
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/3607...-firing-at-reds
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Army makes U-turn; admits shooting at crowd
Started by Sexpat, Apr 15 2010 07:48 AM
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