Bangkok: In a first of its kind attack in Thailand, popular Lord Brahma temple in downtown district of Chidlom was target to twin blasts, which killed 27 people, including 4 foreigners, and injured 117. The blasts, which the government believe was to damage the economy and tourism, occurred inside Erawan Shrine dedicated to Lord Brahma in downtown Chidlom district, causing panic as people fled the place where cars and motorcycles exploded in the impact.
The temple is situated on a main road through Bangkok's commercial hub and is surrounded by 3 major shopping malls and big hotels of international chains, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions. Of the 4 foreigners reported dead, 2 were identified as Chinese and one as a Philipino. There have been no reports of any Indian casualties in the event.
An explosive device fastened to a utility pole inside the Erawan shrine complex at the Ratchaprasong intersection, detonated at 6.55 pm. A centre for recent political demonstrations, the attacks are speculated to be the work of Muslim separatists fighting for power.
Defence minister Prawit Wongsuwong said, “It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners to damage tourism and the economy.”
