Bangkok explosion in tourist hotspot leaves 19 dead in bomb blast

A bomb blast in a busy tourist area of Bangkok has left 19 people dead, and injured at least 123.

The bomb is believed to have been on a motorcycle and exploded just outside a Hindu shrine in the centre of the Thai capital.

Officers examining the blast have said that of the confirmed 19 victims, 10 are Thai.

Other victims include one Chinese person, and a Filipino. The nationalities of the other victims are yet to be confirmed.

At least two bombs were found at the scene, Maj. Gen. Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for Thailand’s ruling junta told Reuters. He said at least one had detonated.

Weerachon said dozens were injured, and that some foreigners were among the injured.

The explosion took place at the Rajprasong intersection, which was the centre of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years. It occurred in front of the Erawan Shrine, a tourist landmark also popular with Thais.

The first bomb was found inside the shrine compound, while the second was found opposite the complex, Weerachon said.