Seh Daeng passes away at 9.20 hrs

BANGKOK, 17 May 2010 (NNT) – Outspoken Military Specialist, Major General Khattiya Sawasdipol, also known as ‘Seh Daeng’, passed away on Monday morning after he was shot in the head, which resulted in brain swelling and kidney failure.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Medical College and Vajira Hospital Director, MD Chaiwan Charoenchokethawee, made an official announcement on Monday 10.00 hrs that Major General Khattiya passed away on Monday morning at 9.20 hrs.

Ms Khattiyar Sawasdipol and relatives of the army specialists will transport his body for a religious rite at Somanas Monastery on Monday afternoon.

Major General Khattiya was shot in the head on the evening of 13 May at Sala Daeng Intersection while he was giving an interview to international news correspondents. The sniper-shot-bullet penetrated his right side of the brain and pierced through the left side of his brain, causing severe brain injury.

The army specialist was earlier sent to Hua Chiew Hospital before being transferred to Vajira Hospital to receive a brain operation. Relatives, media members, and his supporters had been monitoring his condition closely at the hospital.

The condition of Major General Khattiya had been reported critical after the operation, with complications from kidney failure, blood pressure problems, and brain swelling. The use of a ventilator, dialysis, and medication were used in attempt to save his life.

The outspoken army specialist is known to be a staunch supporter of ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra and a hardcore member of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD).