Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said Friday afternoon that two suspects have been arrested in connection with a string of bomb attacks that hit Bangkok.
Speaking at police headquarters after nine bombs hit five locations and injured at least four, Prayuth said the pair were detained in connection with a bomb scare the night before. The attacks; which targeted government power centers the Government Complex, a Defense Ministry building and court; came as regional diplomats and dignitaries including U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo were in the capital for meetings.
Earlier he condemned those behind the attacks. “On the bombing this morning, I would like to condemn those causing the situation which has destroyed peace and damaged the country’s image,” he said in a statement.
Police seek links in Bangkok bomb attacks
Apart from saying the suspects were from the southern province of Chumphon, Prayuth did not provide any additional details. He did blame “old political conflicts” for the violence, terms usually reserved for the past decade’s political strife or southern separatist violence.
Prayuth acknowledged that the attacks came at a bad time for Thailand, which currently chairs ASEAN and was hosting high-level meetings. He said ASEAN leaders were understanding and satisfied with the security measures taken.
The explosions hit the Chaeng Wattana Government Complex, a location on Rama IX Road, the Administrative Court, BTS Chong Nonsi and the Ministry of Defense. A sixth incident in the Pratunam was later determined to be a fire. Police Gen. Chakthip Chaijinda said it was likely a related arson attack.
At least four people were injured. Two women street sweepers sustained eye injuries at the Rama IX Road explosion. They were identified as 46-year-old Sisana Pongsaisee and 55-year-old Sontorn Rongseanglam.
“Three people received slight injuries from shrapnel,” said Renu Suesattaya, director of the Suan Luang district.
Ball bearings were scattered across Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Road below BTS Chong Nonsi, where a bomb exploded under a skywalk leading to the King Power MahaNakhon building. EOD and forensic investigators were combing through the bushes collecting evidence.
City Hall said two people were injured there by a pair of blasts.
Earlier today, police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen said the authorities were seeking to establish whether today’s attacks were linked to what was said to be a fake bomb found last night in front of the police headquarters on Rama I Road.
Security was visibly heightened around the capital, and officials said surveillance was increased in the following areas: Ratchaprasong Intersection, Siam Square, Victory Monument, Democracy Monument, Hua Lamphong Railway Station, and all bus, Airport Rail Link, MRT and BTS stations.
The last time a bomb attack hit Bangkok was in August 2015 when a terrorist attack destroyed Erawan Shrine during rush hour when it was packed with tourists. Twenty people were killed in an attack blamed on Chinese Uighurs.
Prior to that, a series of bombs ripped through the capital on New Year’s Eve in 2006. That attack was blamed on separatists in the restive south.
The Deep South, where thousands have been killed in a 15-year insurgency, has been roiling with anger in recent weeks over the death of a suspect in military custody.
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