Death inflames Thai protesters' anger

BANGKOK - A predawn grenade attack on protesters occupying the offices of Thailand's prime minister killed one person and wounded 29 yesterday, dimming hopes that the political crisis might ease.

No one took responsibility for the blast, but the protesters, the People's Alliance for Democracy, blamed the government, a charge the prime minister denied.

The alliance, which is seeking the government's resignation, said it would stage a mass rally before marching to Parliament on Sunday to protest the attack.

The last time the group marched on Parliament street battles with police left two dead and hundreds wounded. The Oct. 7 clashes were the country's worst political violence in more than a decade.

Yesterday's attack was the first fatal one at the compound since it was seized by the protesters three months ago. It came just hours after a mourning period for the sister of Thailand's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Political protests were suspended during the period, but the peace and unity inspired by near-universal respect for the monarchy proved temporary.

The protesters have vowed not to disperse until the allies of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra are removed from power.

ASSOCIATED PRESS