Deaths and amputations from bloody clashes

Four victims needed to have their limbs amputated, while four others only lost fingers and toes.

At Ramathibodi Hospital, two victims lost their eyes and another remains unconscious and incapable of breathing unaided.

Her Majesty the Queen has graciously donated Bt300,000 to pay for the medical care given to the victims.

While most of the patients were people joining the PAD rally, 20 police were also hurt.

"Nine officers are still hospitalised," said Dr Surachet Satisniramai, acting director of Narendhorn, as the emergency cen¬tre is called.

Victims were sent to hospitals with teargaspoisoning symptoms, severe wounds on their bodies and faces, chemical toxic burns in their eyes, and many other forms of injuries.

At Vachira Hospital, director Chaiwan Charoenchokthavee said PAD supporter Thanya Khunkaew was still in serious condition.

Doctors have already removed the left leg of 50yearold Thanya because it was completely mangled by a powerful explosive.

"But he will have to undergo surgery again. We're worried that a tiny fragment of bone might block the blood stream and affect his heart and brain," Dr Chaiwan said.

Vachira Hospital had provided initial treatment to six police but three of them have already been moved to other medical facilities.

"We will continue to look after the mental health of clash victims no mat¬ter police or protesters. I know that people have become afraid after the bloody clashes but the hospital will treat everybody with the same standard," he said.

Pol Captain Kriengrrai Khingsapi, whose legs were run over by a pickup truck, has been relocated to Police General Hospital and Pol Sgt Major Somnuek Boonthep, who was shot in the right leg, is now at Chon Buri Hospital.

Pol Corporal Setthawut Buatum, who was hit aggressively by a vehicle during the melee, also sought a trans¬fer to Police General Hospital.

"I just want it. There's no problem here," Setthawut said while getting into an ambulance. He dismissed a rumour that police wanted to leave Vachira Hospital because they were concerned for their safety there.

Ramathibodi Hospital director Than Supatraphan said the violent clashes sent 76 people to his institu¬tion.

Of them, 12 needed urgent opera¬tions.

"We are treating 17 clash victims as inpatients," Dr Than said.

He said he was worried about a man whose name was unknown because he is still unconscious and had nothing on him to identify him.

This patient's neck sustained serious blows and he lost the ability to breathe by himself. He is now on a respirator.

Pol Lt Corporal Peerachet Tarapanjasap, who was attacked by car, has his leg in splints and has to look forward to ligament and tendon repair.

Siriraj Hospital deputy director Sanan Visuthisakchai said about 60 clash victims have been admitted to his facility. Most of them have severe wounds on their bodies and eye irritatations.

Their symptoms were caused by a tiny particle, which can hardly attack a victim's body. Some of them have lost their toes and have to stay in the hospital for seven10 days. The others have to drop blood in their irises.

"Absolutely, victims who lost their relatives must have mental health concerns. They need to be cheered up to improve their symptoms," he said.