Attack at Bangkok tourist attraction kills at least 19

A bomb that exploded at one of Thailand's most popular attractions, the Erawan shrine in downtown Bangkok, killed at least 19 people, some of them tourists.

While there was no immediate claim of responsibility for Bangkok’s worst bombing in a decade, a senior member of the ruling junta said the attack was obviously aimed at damaging Thailand’s economy.

Footage from security cameras showed an explosion at the Ratchaprasong intersection at 6.55pm when the streets were crowded with tourists and commuters. There are three shopping malls at the intersection, as well as one of the busiest stations for the city’s rail system.

The dead included two visitors from China and one from the Philippines. At least 78 people were wounded, most of them from China and Taiwan.

The shrine is dedicated to the Hindu god Brahma but is also popular with Buddhists.

Local media reported body parts and broken glass scattered around the shrine along with the wreckage of burned-out motorcycles.

Police told the Bangkok Post that the device that exploded contained three kilos of TNT.

The intersection was the site of anti-government protests in 2010 by Red Shirt supporters of exiled former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Crackdown

The protests led to a crackdown by the military in which dozens were killed and a number of buildings around the city were set on fire.

Mr Thaksin’s sister Yingluck Shinawatra became prime minister after the crackdown but, following months of unrest, she was ousted by a military coup in May of last year.

Deputy prime minister Prawit Wongsuwan said it was too early to say if the attacks were politically motivated or an act of terrorism.

"But it was clear that the perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism, because the incident occurred in the heart of Bangkok's business district," Mr Prawit told the Bangkok Post.

There is much speculation that factions opposed to the ruling junta are responsible.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has no indication of any Irish injuries but it is making inquires locally through Ireland’s embassy in Bangkok.

A spokesman said anyone who is concerned for the welfare of family members can call the department on 01-4082000.