Shinawatra denies involvement in Bangkok blasts

Bangkok, Jan 3: Former Thailand Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, ousted by the September 19 coup last year, has denied his political supporters' hand in the New Year eve blasts here which claimed three lives and wounded several others.

In a letter faxed from Beijing, the self-exiled leader instead pointed to the involvement of Islamic separatists carrying out a violent campaign in south Thailand.

''I swear that I have never thought of hurting and spoiling the happiness of people, or destroying the country's credibility for political goals,'' Mr Thaksin said in his three-page letter released here by his lawyer yesterday.

The rebuttal followed the allegation by Thailand's post-coup Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont that ''people who lost power'' in the coup were behind the Bangkok bombings.

Accusing the Thai government of ''jumping to the conclusion'' of blaming the old power clique, the former Prime Minister said the materials and methods used indicated the involvement of southern Thai insurgents.

Three people were killed and more than 30 injured in eight coordinated blasts in the Thai capital on the evening of and shortly after December 31 midnight.

Authorities are still grappling with the clues which include graffiti signed 'IRK' near the blast sites. Investigators have, however, ruled out the involvement of Islamic militants from south Thailand, citing the disparity in techniques and materials used.

Meanwhile, unprecedented security arrangements has been made at public places in the capital city, including sniffer dogs, armed troops and hand inspection of passenger bags at the bus terminals, airports, railway stations and shopping malls.

UNI

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