Bangkok Bomb

Bomb explodes in Bangkok

A bomb blew up while being disarmed next to the Army Survey Department just off Rajdamnoen Avenue Sunday night, injuring the two ordnance disposal officers at the scene.

No one claimed responsibility for the bomb which exploded the night before Gen Anupong Paochinda was set to replace army chief and coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratkalin as commander of the army.

The explosive was in a black cardboard box placed at a phone booth in front of a small soi between the Army headquarters and the Army's Survey Department.

The box was spotted by bystanders at the Rajdamneon Boxing Stadium across from the Army headquarters. After the explosion, another box was found 50 metres away from the first one.

After being informed, the bomb disposal unit rushed to the scene at around 9pm. But while inspecting the box, the bomb went off.

The explosion seriously damaged the right wrist of a bomb disposal officer and injured another in the chest but not seriously. Both were sent to Hua Chiew hospital.

The site had not yet been sealed off, with just barricades erected around it.

Sniffer dogs were then moved in to try to detect any other explosives at and near the scene.

Police and the army both were silent, and refused to comment about details of the attack or the possible motive of those involved.

At least three series of explosions of small bombs have hit Bangkok since a larger, murderous string of bombs last New Year's Eve across the city. There have been no arrests and no claims of responsibility in any of the bombings.

Nine bombs exploded in the Thai capital on New Year's Eve, killing three people and wounding more than 40.