23 Feb 2014

Deadly attack on rally in Thailand

8:13 pm on 23 February 2014

Gunmen have opened fire on an anti-government rally in eastern Thailand, killing a five-year-old girl and wounding dozens of other people.

Thai hospital workers evacuate an injured villager after the attack.

Thai hospital workers evacuate an injured villager after the attack. Photo: AFP

Attackers threw explosives and shot at demonstrators at a rally called by the People's Democratic Reform Committee.

The BBC reports the incident took place at a night market in the Khao Saming district of Trat province late on Saturday.

Tensions across Thailand have escalated since a wave of anti-government protests began in November.

The demonstrators want Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to resign to make way for an appointed interim government, but she has refused.

On Tuesday several people were killed in clashes that erupted in Bangkok, when police began clearing protest sites.

The latest attack occurred about 300km south-east of the capital.

Officials said the five-year-old girl had been standing at a noodle stall when the attackers, in two pick-up trucks, opened fire at the PDRC rally. She died from a gunshot wound to the head.

At least 30 other people are believed to have been injured. Another child is said to be in a critical condition.

No group has so far said it carried out the attack.