Bangkok bomb: Deadly blast rocks Thailand capital
17 August 2015
From the sectionAsia
A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the centre of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, killing at least 12 people and injuring dozens more.
A second bomb has been found in the area and made safe, officials say.
No-one has yet said they carried out the attack, which took place close to the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's central Chidlom district.
The shrine is a major tourist attraction and the Thai government said the attack was aimed at foreigners.
Local media report that tourists may be among the casualties.
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwong said: "It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy."
Read the latest updates here
The Nation TV channel quoted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying the government would set up a "war room" to coordinate its response.
Nation put the death toll as high as 27, saying at least three foreigners were killed, but there is no official confirmation.
The explosion occurred at about 19:00 local time (12:00 GMT). Some reports said the bomb had been on a motorcycle, others that it was tied to an electricity pole.
'Really graphic'