News Digest

Thai junta says suspect identified in deadly Bangkok bombing

Thailand’s junta leader said Tuesday security forces had identified a suspect in an unprecedented Bangkok bombing that targeted foreigners at a packed religious shrine, killing at least 21 people. The attack occurred at dusk on Monday in one of the Thai capital’s most popular tourism hubs, ripping through a crowd of worshippers at the Hindu shrine close to five-star hotels and upscale shopping malls. Chinese, Hong Kong, Singaporean and Malaysian citizens were among the 21 people confirmed killed, with more than 100 injured as the blast sent a fireball into the sky and incinerated motorcycles.

Today there is a suspect… we are looking for this guy. The suspect was believed to be from an anti-government group based in Thailand’s northeast.

Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha

Junta chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha on Tuesday branded the bombing the “worst ever attack” on Thailand, as he gave the first indications of who authorities believed were responsible. Prayut said the suspect was believed to be from an “anti-government group based in Thailand’s northeast” – the heartland of the kingdom’s Red Shirt movement that opposes the military junta. Bangkok has endured years of deadly political violence, with the junta ruling the nation since May last year after toppling the elected government of Yingluck Shinawatra.