Bangkok bomb blast: eight things we know so far
Details have continued to emerge since the blast yesterday at around 7pm
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Your support makes all the difference.A bomb blast has devastated a Hindu shrine in the centre of Bangkok, killing at least 22 and injuring more than a 100 people. But what do we know so far about the attack?
When did the bomb go off?
Thai authorities believe the pipe bomb detonated around 7pm (local time) on Monday.
Where did it go off?
The device was planted next to the popular Hindu Erawan shrine, near a busy cross-junction where at that time hundreds of people milled through the city.
How many have been killed and injured?
The death toll stands at as many as 20 people, including approximately seven foreigners – mostly from Asian nations. An estimated 123 individuals have been hospitalised as a result of the attack – however, some reports claim this number is higher.
Who do authorities think is behind the attack?
No group or individual has claimed the attack. As of Tuesday morning details around possible motivations for the attack remain speculation, although an attack by southern Muslim insurgents has been deemed unlikely given the style and location of the bomb.
What is going on with the CCTV images?
A description of a suspect was initially released by Bangkok police authorities on Tuesday morning. However, the images were quickly leaked online along with video.
Who is the man pictured?
On Tuesday morning Thai police reportedly told Associated Press that the man pictured “is the bomber”.
What does the video show?
They purport to show a young man, wearing heavy glasses and a yellow t-shirt, near the shrine at around 6.30pm to 6.40pm on the evening of the bomb. Critically, the footage – taken by a local Thai news agency – also purports to show the unidentified man depositing a black rucksack on a bench by the shrine.
What next?
The Thai PM Prayuth Chan-ocha has appealed for calm and attempted to reassure citizens and tourists that his government is doing everything it can. Thai authorities have deployed approximately 10,000 troops on roadblocks and checkpoints in an attempt to track down the suspects.
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