Thailand Government Statement on Bangkok Blast
Major General Werachon Sukhondhapatak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that:
1. On the evening of 17 August 2015 at approximately 19.00 hrs, Thai authorities have confirmed that there was an explosion at the Rachaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, resulting in several casualties and injuries. The total number of casualties and injuries shall be confirmed once emergency services are able to provide verified information. Preliminary investigations have revealed that an IED was used to cause the explosion.
2. Security officials are taking every possible measure to secure the area and conduct investigations while emergency services are in full response.
3. The Emergency Services Centre or Erawan Centre will provide the latest information on those injured and receiving treatment from this incident, including place of treatment.
4. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his deep concern for the victims and has specifically instructed for IED and security officials to investigate and secure the area, prevent public access and egress into the area, and to update with constant situation reports with emphasis on conforming precise information before informing the public, to uphold public safety as the utmost priority, and that confirmed information regarding the situation shall be released immediately.
5. From recent inquiries to concerned authorities, there have been no instructions to close education institutions or financial institutions, while the media and the public are requested to use discretion and caution when sharing unverified information online, and should there be any inquiries to please contact officials directly.
6. In the meantime, the Royal Thai Police remains as the chief agency for confirmed updates on the developing investigation.
7. The public are advised to remain calm and monitor the situation regularly as security agencies conduct their operations.
8. As for possible motivations as to who may have caused this incident, it is too early to speculate which group may have been responsible for this crime but authorities are following possible leads.
Emergency Message for US Citizens: Explosion at Erawan Shrine in Central Bangkok
THIS MESSAGE is to inform US citizens in Thailand that according to local law enforcement, an explosion took place at approximately 7:00 pm August 17, at the Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, and overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines).
Media outlets are reporting multiple casualties.
Local law enforcement and emergency services are responding and US Embassy personnel are liaising closely with local authorities to gather information.
US citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
Major General Werachon Sukhondhapatak, Deputy Government Spokesperson, disclosed that:
1. On the evening of 17 August 2015 at approximately 19.00 hrs, Thai authorities have confirmed that there was an explosion at the Rachaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, resulting in several casualties and injuries. The total number of casualties and injuries shall be confirmed once emergency services are able to provide verified information. Preliminary investigations have revealed that an IED was used to cause the explosion.
2. Security officials are taking every possible measure to secure the area and conduct investigations while emergency services are in full response.
3. The Emergency Services Centre or Erawan Centre will provide the latest information on those injured and receiving treatment from this incident, including place of treatment.
4. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has expressed his deep concern for the victims and has specifically instructed for IED and security officials to investigate and secure the area, prevent public access and egress into the area, and to update with constant situation reports with emphasis on conforming precise information before informing the public, to uphold public safety as the utmost priority, and that confirmed information regarding the situation shall be released immediately.
5. From recent inquiries to concerned authorities, there have been no instructions to close education institutions or financial institutions, while the media and the public are requested to use discretion and caution when sharing unverified information online, and should there be any inquiries to please contact officials directly.
6. In the meantime, the Royal Thai Police remains as the chief agency for confirmed updates on the developing investigation.
7. The public are advised to remain calm and monitor the situation regularly as security agencies conduct their operations.
8. As for possible motivations as to who may have caused this incident, it is too early to speculate which group may have been responsible for this crime but authorities are following possible leads.
Emergency Message for US Citizens: Explosion at Erawan Shrine in Central Bangkok
THIS MESSAGE is to inform US citizens in Thailand that according to local law enforcement, an explosion took place at approximately 7:00 pm August 17, at the Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, and overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines).
Media outlets are reporting multiple casualties.
Local law enforcement and emergency services are responding and US Embassy personnel are liaising closely with local authorities to gather information.
US citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
