Coup-anniversary bomb 'targets officers'

Nails attached to bomb aimed to kill military, commissioned officers & their family which used the waiting room targeted to receive medicine.

BANGKOK HOSPITAL BOMBING

Coup anniversary bomb targets officers

Nails attached, 'aimed at taking lives'. Bomb bears hallmarks of earlier explosions. Government deplores choice of hospital for attack.
23/05/2017
Post Reporters

Monday's blast at Phramongkutklao Hospital was heavily denounced while authorities said they believe it was linked to two previous explosions in Bangkok over the past two months.

It comes as the government marked its third anniversary in power after the May 22, 2014, coup.

Political motivations and an operation of southern militants are among the leads authorities are investigating.

WHERE DID THE BOMBING TAKE PLACE? 

The explosion took place in the dispensary's waiting room, known as the Wongsuwon room, for commissioned officers at 10am. A total of 25 people were hurt, including one critically.

A hospital source said the explosion took place in the room for VIPs on the first floor. The room serves as a one-stop service spot for commissioned officers and their families.

It is close to a medicine dispensing room where ordinary patients can wait to receive medicine. Ordinary people can possibly enter the VIP room, the source said.

BOMB AIMED AT TAKING LIVE: NAILS ATTACHED TO BOMB 

The attack was said to have been aimed at taking lives as nails were attached to the explosive device.

Traces of electric circuitry, wires, battery and nails were found at the crime scene.

Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians have not yet concluded what kind of bomb materials were used to make the bomb but it was designed to cause damage in a 2-3 metre radius of the blast, Pol Gen Srivara said.

A security source said the bomb was a low-pressure type with metal scraps and nails.

WITNESS TO THE BOMBING

A witness, Sapaspimol Singsuwan, said she heard a blast, followed by screams. She said she saw scores of people injured and smoke filling the air.

"It's very bad. Even in a war, hospitals are exempt from attacks. This time, most victims were elderly and patients," said army commander-in-chief Chalermchai Sitthisat.

THREE RECENT BOMBINGS LINKED

The blast in front of the National Theatre near Sanam Luang on May 15 injured two women and an explosion outside the old Government Lottery Office (GLO) on Ratchadamnoen Klang Avenue on April 5 wounded two other women.

Gen Chalermchai said the two incidents were linked to the hospital bombing since the same materials were used to make the bombs. The group of attackers has not yet been identified, but the attack was aimed at causing trouble for the government. Armed forces have been ordered to step up security measures in crowded areas.

BOMB SIGNATURES SIMILAR IN ALL THREE RECENT BOMBINGS

National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda echoed Gen Chalermchai. He said the "bomb signatures" were similar in all three blasts, including the soldering.

"The bomb used was a pipe bomb put inside a PVC tube that they placed inside a flower jar," he said.

25 INJURED, 13 DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL

Of the 25 injured, 13 had been discharged from the hospital already, said Lt Gen Saroj Keokajee, commander of the Army Medical Department.

An elderly woman was badly hurt with wounds to her cheek and she would need an operation, he said.

Of the wounded, 13 were both in service and retired military officers, 11 were civilians and one was a police officer.

UDD DENIES INVOLVEMENT

Meanwhile, the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) has denied any involvement in the bombing.

"The attack was barbaric. We are not afraid of being implicated because we have nothing to do with it," UDD chairman Jatuporn Prompan said.

The blast has done no good to anyone and is detrimental to the country, he said, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Thais should denounce the attackers since hospitals must not come under attack, he said.

Thavorn Senneam, a core leader of the now defunct People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), believed the explosion was politically motivated.

BOMBING HAD NO EFFECT ON STOCK MARKET

The bomb attack caused no panic among investors on the stock market.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) main index climbed 0.52%, or 8.09 point, to 1,557.73.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/politics/1254398/coup-anniversary-bomb-targets-officers

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