Thai junta chief Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha tightens security at public places after blasts

BANGKOK: Thai junta chief and Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha today ordered authorities to tighten security at public places after homemade pipe bombs detonated near a sky train station in front of a shopping mall here.

The two small bombs exploded near Siam sky train station in front of the downtown Paragon Shopping Complex last evening. The blasts caused minor injuries to two passers-by.

"We have to find out who were responsible for the bombs and whether they had a connection with any political group. Police are working on this," Prayut said.

He said the authorities would have to find out whether people who had earlier mentioned the possible use of violence against the government had anything to do with the bombs.

He ordered authorities to increase security at public places and said the people should also act as eyes and ears, because they are the ones who would be affected if there is more violence.

Asked if the bombers hoped to create unrest and discredit the government, Gen Prayut said: "You already know this. Why even ask?".

Thailand has been under martial law since a coup toppled the elected government last year.

Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paochinda said the bombs were apparently not intended to kill, but to cause unrest.

The police were compiling the evidence, including surveillance camera footage.

Police spokesman Prawut Thawornsiri said that it was still unclear whether the blast at Paragon Shopping Complex was politically motivated.