Thai Army denies temple killings

THAILAND: Thailand's army on Thursday denied any involvement in the killing of nine people at a Buddhist temple where thousands of protesters had sought shelter during an army crackdown on their rally.

The army announced it would launch an investigation into the deaths, which it said happened before security forces reached the temple in response to calls for help for people inside.

"The incident occurred at 5 pm to 6 pm (1000 to 1100 GMT). At that time the security officials had not yet entered Pathum Wanaram temple," said army spokesman Colonel Sunsern Kaewkumnerd.

"If security officials want to kill people the death toll could be much higher," he said, adding that the government was "ready to prove itself in this case."

Police escorted thousands of devastated protesters out of the temple, where they had cowered overnight. BANGKOK, Thursday, AFP