Thai PM orders quick arrest of Bangkok's bomber

BANGKOK, February 2 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha has ordered authorities concerned to quickly nail a bomber responsible for two explosions at a skytrain station in Siam Square area adjacent to the upscale Siam Paragon shopping center in the heart of Bangkok on Sunday night. Before leaving Bangkok for a one-day visit to Nakhon Ratchasima Province in the Thai Northeast on Monday morning, Prime Minister General Prayut told journalists it has not yet been concluded that the twin blasts were politically motivated, vowing, however, political opponents have no right to violate laws. The prime minister stressed that culprits must be arrested and he believes enough evidence will be gathered to ensure the arrest. Insisting security measures to be intensified, the prime minister noted that authorities are finding out whether parties which threatened to use violent means to oppose the government have anything to do with the explosions. The prime minister called on people to help watch out for signs of untoward incidents and condemn those responsible for the incidents, as they do not value the life and property of others. Interior Minister General Anupong Paojinda assessed, in the meantime, that the twin blasts were apparently aimed at creating unrest, not at killing anyone, and security camera footage should lead to an arrest. The targeted BTS Siam train station has operated as usual, but it has been heavily guarded and the bombed section has been cordoned off. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan told reporters that he was reported investigators have found clues assumed to have linked to the bomber, but they could not be disclosed yet. General Prawit revealed that authorities are urgently tracking down the suspect for further probe and prosecution, while tightened security measures have been planned in areas at risk nationwide. According to the deputy prime minister, who oversees national security, Sunday night's twin blasts in the capital underscored a need for the interim Thai government to maintain the imposition of the martial law although stricter security measures are not considered necessary at the Government House. Latest reports cited National Police Chief Police General Somyos Pumpanmuang as saying that an arrest warrant will be soon issued against a suspected bomber, based on evidence gathered from the scene. (TNA)