Eighteen people are now known to have died after a bomb explosion in central Bangkok, although it is feared the figure will rise.
The attack happened at 7pm local time (1pm UK time) on Monday near the Erawan Hindu shrine in the downtown Chidlom district, which is a popular tourist attraction.
Prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha described it as the ‘worst-ever attack’ on Thailand. "There have been minor bombs or just noise, but this time they aim for innocent lives. They want to destroy our economy, our tourism," he said.
Over 100 people have been injured and there are reports some have lost limbs. Local media reports say the death toll could be as high as 27 and four foreigners are among the dead.
The bomb explosion created a huge orange fireball, which was caught on CCTV and police say the blast radius of the bomb was about 100 metres.
There are some reports that two bombs went off. One was a motorcycle bomb and the other a device placed nearby. A third, placed opposite the shrine, was diffused.
Thai defence minister Prawit Wongsuwon said foreigners were targeted ‘to damage tourism and the economy’. He has vowed to ‘hunt down’ the attackers.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) issued a statement saying: "At 19:00 local time on Monday 17th August a suspected bomb exploded at the Ratchaprasong (road) intersection in central Bangkok.
"The motivation behind the explosion is not yet known. The affected area has been secured and security in central Bangkok has been increased. TAT advises tourists who are currently staying in the city to avoid the area this evening.
"TAT has not yet received confirmed reports of the number or nationality of casualties but there are no British or Irish nationals thought to be affected.
"All transport links in central Bangkok are running as usual but while the intersection is investigated there may be disruption to traffic. Hotels and shopping malls in the surrounding area will be open as normal from tomorrow (Tuesday 18th August). All other tourist attractions and services are open and operating as usual.
"TAT advises tourists to remain vigilant whilst travelling through busy parts of the city."
The Foreign Office said it is monitoring the situation and has advised UK tourists to ‘monitor news reports and take extra care’.
