Thai army chief appeals for calm as violence increases

[BANGKOK] Thailand's army chief yesterday called for calm after a series of attacks on anti-government rallies in recent days injured some 70 people, prompting authorities to consider declaring a state of emergency for the first time since 2010.

Two grenades exploded at a demonstration site in central Bangkok on Sunday, injuring 28, and a grenade attack on a protest rally on Jan 17 killed one person and wounded 40 others, according to the Bangkok Emergency Medical Centre.

Violence is increasing as Suthep Thaugsuban, a former opposition party lawmaker, steps up efforts to oust Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra before elections scheduled for Feb 2.