Thai Army Chief Claims Thaksin Supporters Were Responsible For Bangkok Explosions
Bangkok was rocked by 6 bomb blasts that went off in 3 different places on Friday (2 Aug).
A glass barrier was shattered following an explosion at the BTS Chong Nonsi Station
Source
According to the Chief of Police, a 7th bomb was found at the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex but did not detonate.
4 injured by Bangkok bomb explosions
These are the places where the bombs went off:
- BTS Chong Nonsi Station
- Rama 9 Road
- Chaeng Wattana Government Complex
The bombs were apparently improvised explosive devices filled with ball bearings, set to go off with a timer.
They are also known as ‘ping pong bombs’:
According to Channel NewsAsia, the attacks were believed to be designed to embarrass the government and not to cause harm.
At least 4 injuries were reported, 3 of whom were civilians cleaning the road when the blasts went off.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha condemned the bombings in a Twitter post.
Here is a rough translation:
I condemn those who caused the situation which destroys peace and the country’s image. Staff have been ordered to take care of public safety and those affected by the urgency.
Army Chief General Apirat Kongsompong then claimed that Redshirts – supporters of Thaksin Shinawatra – are behind the bombings, citing similar events that took place in 2006.
Security meeting being held in Bangkok
A regional security meeting is currently being held in Bangkok, involving ASEAN ministers and top diplomats from the United States, China and Russia.
Singapore’s Foreign Affairs Minister Vivian Balakrishnan is also attending the meeting, but the meeting proceeded without interruptions, as seen on his Facebook page.
Swift recovery to those affected
Travellers in Bangkok are advised to avoid the following areas:
1) Victory Monument
2) Siam Square
3) Hua Lumphong Train Station
4) MRT, BTS, and bus terminals situated in the central city area.
These areas are close to where the explosions took place.
MS News wishes those affected by the explosions a swift recovery and hope there’ll be no more of such explosions.
Featured image adapted from Twitter.
