April 17, 2009
Bangkok (ASTV Manager Online) – Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva expressed concern over the assassination of Sondhi Limthongkul, founder and owner of ASTV Manager newspaper, ordering police to arrest the culprits soon.
Sondhi was shot on his way to host the Good Morning Thailand program early this morning. He was taken to the Vajira Hospital for treatment after the dawn attack.
The assassin reportedly was a professional gunman, fleeing from the scene.
"Mr. Sondhi is undergoing an operation and it will take around three hours. He has a bullet inside his skull at the right temple. It will take some time because it is brain surgery," Chaiwan Charoench, director of the hospital, told AFP.
However, Chaiwan confirmed that Sondhi would be all right although he was in a serious condition.
"He was conscious and could talk when he was sent here," he said. "His condition is serious but he will be safe. Do not worry."
Deputy PM Suthep Thaugsuban also told the police to investigate the case urgently.
Police were sent to ensure safety at the hospital where Sondhi was treated for his bullet wounds. Police already held a press briefing, saying nobody was dead following the gunfire.
The assassination was believed to affect the government’s decision whether to cancel the state of emergency.
