'He wasn't involved in politics'

The man, Sangwian Rujimora, 46, had sustained a gunshot wound and had bruises all over his body.

Rattana Sudlamlert tearfully identified her younger brother's body.

Rattana said her brother worked at her grocery shop in the Ban Mor area until around 5pm every day. Before going home, he often stopped to drink with friends in the Thewet Market area.

 "Is this a lawless country now? Who will be responsible for my brother's death? … He had nothing to do with politics and was not on anyone's side. People shouldn't be so cruel," she said, before fainting.

The body of Sangwian was found about an hour after the bomb attack against People's Alliance for Democracy guards near Makkhawan Rangsan Bridge, which left at least six people injured.

Metropolitan Police Division 1 commander Pol Maj-General Anan Srihiran said Sangwian, who lived with his father in the Sukhothai Road area, appeared to be drunk before he was shot, according to witnesses.

The victim was seen trying to break the police barrier at the back of the Metropolitan Police Bureau before being shot. Police examined security-camera footage for clues as to the gunman, he said.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Lt-General Suchat Muankaew said Sangwian had nothing to do with any political group, based on their initial investigation.

Sangwian, who appeared to be drunk, had talked to police officers stationed in the area and asked to be allowed to pass through to the Suan Misakawan intersection, said Suchat.

Despite a police warning, Sangwian reportedly continued to walk until he was shot before reaching the intersection, Suchat added. The security-camera footage showed Sangwian being shot, but failed to show the shooter.