Bangkok blasts 'worst attack on Thailand', says Thai Prime Minister

Bangkok, Aug 18: Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha has said the bombing of a shrine in here that claimed 20 lives, including those of three foreigners, and injured 125 others was the "worst ever attack" on the country, a media report said on Tuesday.

"This is the worst incident that has ever happened in Thailand," Prayuth said.

"There have been minor bombs or just noise, but this time they aim for innocent lives. They want to destroy our economy, our tourism."

On Monday, Aug 17 at about 7.00 p.m., an improvised explosive device (IED) went off near the near the Brahmin statue at the Erawan Shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, packed with evening rush-hour commuters and tourists, many of whom were visiting the shrine, the Bangkok Post reported.

On Tuesday morning, police revised the toll from the blast from 27 to 20 including two Chinese and one Filipino, citing confusion at the scene.

They want to destroy our economy, our tourism: Chan-ocha

With a powerful flash caught on security video and a boom heard blocks away, the blast from the IED scattered body parts across the intersection, blasted windows and destroyed motorbikes and vehicles.

"The perpetrators will be brought to justice," the prime minister added.

However, authorities have said that it is too early to determine the possible motives or who the perpetrators may be.

The attack has received widespread condemnation including UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the European Union (EU) and the US.

IANS