Police confirm pipe bomb used at Phramongkutklao Hospital

BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) -- Thai forensic police confirm a pipe bomb was used in the blast at a military hospital in Bangkok that injured several military officers and civilian on Monday. The bomb was hidden in a vase inside Wongsuwan Room, forensic police and EOD unit concluded after finding shrapnel and parts of explosive devices in the first floor of Phramongkutklao Hospital. Pol Gen Sriwara Rangsipramanakul, deputy police chief, inspected the scene at a dispensary room of the hospital situated in central Bangkok on Rajavithee Road near Victory Monument. Although no one has claimed responsibility, it is considered a politically-motivated act as the bombing carried out on the third anniversary of the military coup. The explosion which injured about 24 people is linked to the previous bombings in Bangkok. Gen Chalermchai Sitthisart, Army Commander-in-chief, said evidence suggested that the culprits were the same group of people. He condemned the bombing but refused to comment whether it was intended to challenge and discredit the military government. Security measures would be stepped up in the capital city while the military would provide assistance in the police investigation. Meanwhile, Bangkok city has provided surveillance camera footage to the investigators in addition to those from 13 cameras inside the hospital. As of 6 pm, eight people injured from the blast remained hospitalized at the hospital, Lt Gen Saroj Keokajee, head of the Army Medical Department, said. (TNA)