Grenade explodes at a rally

A grenade exploded at a rally staged by anti-government protesters at the Government House complex in Bangkok at 0325 local time on 20 November 2008 (0825 UTC on 19 November). The blast -- which was reportedly caused by an M-79 grenade -- killed one person and injured 26 others. The grenade exploded near the main stage of the protest at the Thai prime minster's office, which members of the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) have occupied since August 2008. After the explosion, PAD guards cordoned off the area, refusing to allow police officers to investigate the bombsite and preventing anyone from leaving the Government House compound without proper identification. PAD guards speculated that the grenade was launched from the Civil Service Commission head office building, which was later verified by a police bomb disposal unit. The PAD has called for a major rally to be held on 23 November in response to the death of one of its members. PAD leaders accused the government of being responsible for the grenade attack. The protest on 23 November is slated to begin at 1400 local time (0700 UTC). Some local sources have indicated that the government may instigate daily attacks into the Government House if protesters do not vacate the area. In response to the allegations, Prime Minister Somchai Wonsawat stated that his government does not support a policy of creating further unrest. However, a general who has made threats against the PAD in the past stated that a massacre would take place on 23 November should the PAD follow through with its protest.