Target of RPG attack was Emerald Buddha Temple: DSI

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) announced on Friday night that it has arrested an ex-policeman and another suspect who allegedly confessed that they were hired to attack the Temple of the Emerald Buddha with RPG rockets.

DSI chief Tharit Pengdit said Pol Lance Corporal Bandit Sitthitum, 43, and Supanat Ui-yawet, 43, were paid 500,000 baht by Pol Lt Col Supachai Tuikaewkam, whose wife, Juriporn Sintuprai, was a red-shirt leader from Pattaya.

The incident took place on March 30, and it was understood at the time that the target of the planned attack was the Defence Ministry, a short distace from the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

Pol Lance Corporal Bandit and his accomplice allegedly fired the RPG rocket from a side street across a small canal at the back of the Ministry's building, but the attack failed after the rocket got caught in power lines and fell short.

Mr Tharit claimed Pol Lance Corporal Bandit had confessed that the real target of the planned attack was the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in order to create panic and chaos because the temple is a national symbol revered by all Thais.

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• The Emerald Buddha Temple
• Red-shirt protesters
• DSI