Bomb blast rocks central Bangkok, 27 killed
Mon Aug 17, 2015 12:23PM
A bomb has exploded outside a Hindu shrine in central Bangkok, killing at least 27 people and wounding scores more, police sources say.
The explosion took place on Monday at the Rajprasong intersection, which was the center of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years.
The intersection is located in a central Bangkok district popular among tourists for the Erawan Hindu Shrine. The shrine is located on a main road through Bangkok's commercial hub and is surrounded by three major shopping malls.
"Our initial findings are it is a bomb inside the shrine," Thailand's police chief Chakthip Chijinda told Channel 9 television.
According to Thai Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, the perpetrators intended to damage the economy and tourism sector.
Over 80 people are also said to have been injured in the blast. The death toll is likely to increase with many seriously injured and undergoing emergency procedures.
A "significant portion" of the casualties were foreigners, police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said.
At least two other bombs were found at the scene, said Major General Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for Thailand's ruling junta. He said at least one had detonated.
Weerachon also noted that dozens were injured, and that some foreigners were among the injured.
"It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy," Wongsuwong said.
Charred and shattered motorcycles, body parts and broken glass were scattered across the street after the bomb went off outside the Erawan Shrine in the downtown Chidlom district of the Thai capital.
