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| Amnuay: Action was common practice |
Police yesterday denied using lethal force to disperse the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) after the crackdown in front of parliament led to a number of protesters suffering serious injuries.
The police were criticised after some PAD demonstrators were badly hurt, including two who had their legs amputated after the morning and afternoon clashes.
They besieged the parliament compound to block the government from making its policy statement.
Deputy Metropolitan Police chief Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay Nimmano said police fired only tear gas on the anti-government protesters to clear the way for lawmakers and officials to enter the premises, which had been blocked by PAD protesters since Monday night, and for embattled motorists who used routes close to parliament.
Pol Maj-Gen Amnuay said police did not use explosive devices or other deadly weapons to scatter the protesters. They used only tear gas and shields to keep the situation under control.
He defended the operation as being common practice when it came to riot control and said the casualties were possibly a result of the protesters trampling each other.
The obstruction of the government's work was the worst excess, he said.
Police demonstrated the impact of tear gas to the press to try to quell suspicions that it could have seriously injured demonstrators.
Interior Minister Pol Gen Kowit Wattana ordered police to take a softer approach as much as possible to prevent more casualties.
He also pleaded with PAD supporters in Bangkok and upcountry not to join those already demonstrating.
Pol Gen Kowit and police chief Pol Gen Patcharawat Wongsuwan summoned a meeting with high-ranking police officials to gauge the situation, prepare security measures and set up a 24-hour command centre.
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