Two people were killed and 33 injured, including six foreigners, in a wave of mysterious New Year bombings across the capital of military-ruled Thailand, officials said on Sunday.
BANGKOK: Two people were killed and 33 injured, including six foreigners, in a wave of mysterious New Year bombings across the capital of military-ruled Thailand, officials said on Sunday.
Authorities cancelled New Year celebrations here and in the northern city of Chiang Mai after six explosions ripped across the capital within about an hour from 5.20 pm (15.50 IST), killing two and wounding more than 20.
Another two blasts exploded shortly before midnight near Central World Plaza where Bangkok's main celebrations were to have been staged, injuring seven people, including six tourists.
The attacks capped a year of political turmoil in Bangkok and were the first violence since a September coup toppled the government of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
There was no indication who was responsible but police said they believed the bombings were linked to the political situation, although they bore the hallmarks of insurgents in Thailand's Muslim-majority south.
Separatist militants along the southern border with Malaysia often coordinate small bombings across the region, but have never attacked Bangkok.
Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, who was installed after the coup, called an emergency meeting with senior military leaders and the interior minister.
"We believe some group has created the situation," government spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp said after the meeting, but said they needed more information and would hold another meeting on Monday before drawing conclusions.
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