News Service from House Harris

ASIA: Eight Thai protesters wounded

BANGKOK, Nov 22 AFP - Eight Thai anti-government protesters were wounded, one critically, in a pre-dawn bomb attack in Bangkok, Saturday, emergencyservices said, ramping up tensions a day ahead of a major rally.

The explosion came two days after a grenade attack on demonstrators occupying the prime minister's offices in the capital killed one person and wounded 29 others.

The latest blast hit a checkpoint manned by guards from the anti-governmentPeople's Alliance for Democracy outside the Government House compound theyare occupying, an emergency services spokeswoman said.

"All of the victims are men, one was hurt by shrapnel in his head and neck," she said, adding that the emergency centre was notified about the latest incident at 2:14 am (1900 GMT Friday).

AFP jfm=0A