Bombings during security meeting

Four hurt in six explosions

SIX small bomb blasts wounded at least four people in Bangkok yesterday, as the Thai capital hosted a Southeast Asian security meeting with top diplomats from the US, China and other world powers.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chanocha ordered an investigation into the bombs, a blow to Thailand’s image during the high-profile event and barely two weeks after his former military junta transformed into a civilian government.

The first explosions were heard during rush hour before 9am at two sites in Bangkok. More blasts hit a government complex hosting several ministries in the north of the city.

Four people were wounded, the Erawan Medical Center said. Three of those hurt were women cleaning the street when what police called a “ping-pong bomb” went off.

The other casualty was near the 77-storey King Power Mahanakhon building, one of the tallest in Bangkok.

Police Colonel Kamtorn Uicharoen said a total of six bombs exploded. One was recovered before it blew up.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

“I would like to condemn those causing the situation which destroys peace and damages the country’s image,” Thailand’s prime minister Prayuth said on Twitter.

In a message to the public, Prayuth said: “A group of ill-intended people have recently incited violence while the government is propelling the country forward”.

He did not identify the group, but urged Thais to co-operate with security forces. | Reuters ANA