Bomb Explodes in Downtown Bangkok

In central Bangkok, a bomb explosion at a Hindu shrine killed at least 16 people and left dozens of people wounded, The Guardian reported.

The explosion took place at the Erawan shrine around 7 p.m. local time, which left the scene covered with body parts and crushed scooters. The victims are believed to be Thai, Chinese or Filipino citizens said police chief Somyot Poompanmuang. "Those who have planted this bomb are cruel. They aim to kill because everyone knows that at 7 p.m. the shrine is crowded with Thais and foreigners. Planting a bomb there means they want to see a lot of dead people," he added. Police later searched for a possible second bomb, which turned out to be false alarm.

According to Poompanmuang, the explosive used in the bombing was a pipe bomb, an especially big size that managed to throw a big chunk of metal to a balcony on the third-floor, a distance more than 160 feet away. Such great power leaves humans helpless.

The Guardian reported 25-year-old Thanapon Peng, who was passing by the site on his motorcycle after the blast said, "I saw glass. I saw some organs of people on the road. I don't know how many people there were."

So far, no group or organization has claimed responsibility for the bomb, leaving the authorities speculating about who might be behind the cruel attack. Although there are small numbers of Muslim rebels in the country, fighting against Thai forces, they don't typically carry out such attacks outside their ethnic Malay region. The investigation is still ongoing and the police is currently looking for clues.

The intersection where the Erawan shrine is located is a tourist attraction site with shopping centers and hotels. Thai defence minister Prawit Wongsuwan said that the attackers are targeting the economy and tourism of Thailand, reported by The Guardian.