Evidence of bomb in airliner explosion, PM targeted
BANGKOK -- Thai investigators confirmed that traces of explosives were
found in the remains of the Boeing 737-400 that
burned up Saturday at Don Muang airport killing
one person.
Evidence of the incendiary chemical white phosphorus was also found
at the site.
Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said
Sunday that the explosion may have been
an attempt on his life. He was scheduled
to sit in business class on the flight, the
area where the explosion occurred.
The bomb, which apparently contained the plastic
explosive Semtex, white phosphorus, TNT and other
explosives, went before passengers boarded.
An air steward, Kampol Meelarp, was killed by the
blast.
Air force investigators have ruled out any possibility
other than sabotage and believe that the bomb was
meant for the prime minister. The suspect that
drug lords, international terrorists or political
enemies of Thaksin may be behind the attempt.
"I don't think the motive is political or international terrorism but an intention to do harm to
someone. Who the target is will have to be investigated, but if it was me those doing this must
know all about my movements. I am not tense. I am not afraid because that would only encourage these people," Thaksin told the press.
The newly-seated Prime Minister beat the old ruling
party on promises of lowering wasteful government
spending and providing debt relief for farmers.
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