Chinese among 22 killed in deadly Bangkok explosion
At least 22 people were killed and 117 others injured as of Tuesday morning in the deadly explosion that hit downtown Bangkok on Monday night.
Two Chinese mainlanders and two Hong Kong resident were among the dead, while at least 11 Chinese were injured according to China’s embassy.
Up to ten Thais and one Filipino were also killed, while others are yet to be confirmed.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has initiated an emergency response, demanding its embassy in Thailand start immediate investigations and put in all efforts to help the injured.
The explosion occurred at 7pm local time inside the Erawan Shrine, a popular site often visited by domestic and foreign tourists, and located near shopping malls, hotels and restaurants.
According to Thailand’s police chief Somyot Poompanmuang, it was a pipe bomb placed inside the shrine.
“The perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism, because the incident occurred in the heart of the tourism district,” Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told Reuters.
However, he declined to comment if the bombing might have involved political conflict or separatist movement.
Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha called an emergency meeting with high-level government officials and military officers in charge of national security affairs at the headquarters of the National Police.
The government has also set up a “war room” to coordinate their response to the blast, the national television channel quoted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying.
A statement posted on Chinese micro-blog Sina Weibo said that the tourism authority of Thailand will offer all-out efforts to help Chinese victims of the attack. People seeking help can contact the micro-blog account of Thailand's tourism authority.
The Chinese embassy in Thailand has also provided a number for Chinese families who are seeking help: 0066-854833327.