TEMPLE BLAST AT BANGKOK, THAILAND TODAY

TNI News Service (TNS)

Webdesk, TNI Bangkok, 17th August, 2015: A motorcycle bomb exploded in a Hindu Temple of Bangkok today killing 27 people, including foreign tourists. The government, however, downgraded the attack as an attempt in to destroy the Thai economy. Till now no claims have come from any terror groups. This is uncharacteristic attack on such a Hindu shrine in this country though there were reports of active terror outfits in the country. “The perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism because the incident occurred in the heart of the tourism district,” Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said. The Erawan shrine, on a busy corner near top hotels, shopping centers, offices and a hospital, is a major attraction, especially for visitors from East Asia, including China. Many ordinary Thais also worship there. The government would set up a “war room” to coordinate the response to the blast, the Nation television channel quoted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ocha as saying. Till last reports came in it is 2 from China and one from the Philippines were among the deceased according to the official reports. However Thai media reports claim at least 27 people had been killed, 10 of them men and 17 women.