A tragic blast struck central Bangkok yesterday, claiming the lives of four Malaysians, Neoh Jai Aun, Lim Saw Sek and another two who are yet to be named. Seven Malaysian victims involved are from the same family and the family has been informed four of the seven have died. They were among the 22 people who died on Monday. The Malaysian casualties were confirmed by a Malaysian embassy official in the Thai capital.
The explosion that occurred at about 7pm (8pm Malaysian time) appeared to target a popular Hindu shrine, the Erawan Shrine, located at the Ratchaprasong intersection. The blast left more than 120 people injured and some of them are believed to be visitors from Japan and Hong Kong.
Foreigners from China and Philippines were among the fatalities caused by the pipe bomb. It is reported that street vendors along the road were also victims of the explosion.
CNN reports that it’s too early to say who orchestrated the attack. National police Chief Somyot Pumpanmuang said, “There had been warnings about possible attacks, but not exactly when or where they might occur.”
[UPDATES] 19 August 2015 (10.00am)
The four Malaysians casualties are Lee Tze Siang and his daughter, Lee Jing Xuan, as well as Lim Saw Gek and Neoh Jai Jun.
However, a family member fears the Bangkok blast near Erawan Shrine may have claimed a fifth Malaysian life. Rescuers have found a hand that might belong to the relative of the deceased as she is pronounced missing in the list of victims. She is yet to be found.
