May 23, 2017
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.
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.
Speaking after a meeting of security officials Monday, army
commander-in-chief Chalermchai Sitthisat said the attack was aimed at
claiming lives as nails were attached to the explosive device.
"It's very bad. Even in a war, hospitals are exempt from attacks. This time, most victims were elderly and patients," he said.
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 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.
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.
Police have not yet found anyone hiding the bomb in the pot, as CCTV footage was still being reviewed, Pol Gen Chakthip said.
Asked whether the attack was linked to the three year anniversary of
the coup, the police chief said he had no information about this, but
the attackers bear ill will towards the country.
Government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said Prime Minister Prayut
Chan-o-cha was informed about the incident by Deputy Prime Minister and
Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon and the army chief, adding the prime
minister called for people not to panic.
"The premier has ordered state agencies to provide the best care for
the injured and find out who was behind the incident," said Lt Gen
Sansern said.
Gen Prawit expressed confidence police will apprehend the bombers
quickly. "The government will make everything better. The perpetrators
were bad to do something like this. Even attacks in the three southern
border provinces were not carried out like this ... in hospitals."
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.
Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul, who inspected
the blast scene, said traces of electric circuitry, wires, battery and
nails were found.
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.
Of the 25 injured, 13 had been discharged, 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 service and retired military
officers, 11 were civilians and one was a police officer.
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.
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.
Meanwhile, Thavorn Senneam, a core leader of the now-defunct People’s
Democratic Reform Committee, believed the explosion was politically
motivated.
"The attack was perpetrated by those opposing the government," said Mr Thavorn, adding they aimed to discredit the regime.
Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, a key figure of the Pheu Thai party,
said: "The attack is inhuman and the perpetrators had ill intentions
anyway and wanted to leave it as a message."
Meanwhile, Human Rights Commissioner Angkana Neelapaijit denounced the violence.
"I want to condemn the use of medical facilities as a place to stage
an attack," Ms Angkana said. "The assault at the hospital breaches
international humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, the bomb attack caused no panic among investors on the
stock market. The Stock Exchange of Thailand main index climbed 0.52%,
or 8.09 point, to 1,557.73.
Credit: Bangkok Post
