Several Small Explosions In Bangkok, Two Injured

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Several small explosions were reported in at least three locations in this Thailand capital city, and two street cleaners were injured in the incidents. An explosion was reported at the Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain station during the morning rush hour and another blast at Rama Road IX in central Bangkok. Two street cleaners were injured in the explosion of what is believed to be a home-made bomb at Rama Road IX. Three blasts were reported at Thung Song Hong, including near Government House at Chaeng Wattana in Laksi District, north of Bangkok. The explosions had taken place when Bangkok is hosting the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Post-Ministerial Conferences and Related Meetings (52nd AMM/PMC). Meanwhile, Thung Song Hong Police chief Col Parinya Parinya Luanguthai confirmed that three explosions were reported in the area. “We are still checking. We have yet to find any explosive device,” he told Bernama when contacted. Thailand Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan o-cha urged the public not to panic. Thailand Government House spokesman Narumon Pinyosinwat said the prime minister has ordered an immediate investigation. “The situation is closely monitored and security measures have been tightened,” she said. She also urged the public to immediately notify the relevant authorities if they encounter any irregularities. On Thursday, Thai police found two fake bombs at the police headquarters, near the venue of the regional meeting. It prompted a brief scare. On Friday, police arrested two men in connection with the fake bombs. Meanwhile, police are investigating whether the explosions on Friday were linked to the incidents on Thursday. Top diplomats, including US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and China Foreign Minister Wang Yi, are gathered here for the annual 52nd AMM / PMC. -- BERNAMA