Bangkok blast at the shrine comes from a motorbike bomb

Thai rescue workers transport an woman injured in the bomb attack to hospital. Photo: AFP

Huge explosion at a Hindu temple in the Thai capital, Bangkok, on Monday (17/8) night, came from a motorbike bomb. Reported at least 12 people were killed, while dozens of others were injured.



The explosion occurred precisely near the Erawan shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection, central Bangkok.

"All I can say now is has been an explosion in downtown Bangkok involving a motorcycle bomb," said deputy national police chief told Reuters Aek Angsananond. He said there were casualties, but could not confirm details.

A policeman at the scene and a rescue workers said 12 people had been killed. The media put the number of wounded at least 20 people.

A Reuters witness at the scene said she saw pieces of a human body near the explosion site. Officials ordered people clustered at the scene to come back, because they have to examine the possibility of a second bomb.

There has been no claim of responsibility for the bomb attack.

But the southern region of Thailand has long roiled by the uprising Malay Muslims. In addition, Thailand over the last decade is always colored by the end of the competition the coup as political factions.

Militar junta has ruled Thailand since May 2014 seized control of Yingluck Shinawatra.

Erawan Shrine is located in a bustling area close to hotels, shopping centers and offices, and is a tourist attraction, especially for visitors from East Asia. Many ordinary Thais also visit the temple to worship.


(CNNIndonesia)