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Bangkok explosions leave two dead Bangkok explosions leave two dead
(30 minutes later)
A series of small explosions has left two people dead and several others injured in the Thai capital, Bangkok. A series of small explosions has left two people dead and at least 20 injured in the Thai capital, Bangkok.
Seven blasts at widely-scattered places occurred within 90 minutes of one another as streets were filling up with people ahead of New Year celebrations. At least six blasts at widely-scattered places occurred within an hour or so as streets were filling up with people ahead of New Year celebrations.
The authorities are now considering ordering all public New Year celebrations to be cancelled.The authorities are now considering ordering all public New Year celebrations to be cancelled.
Police do not believe foreign groups or militants from the Muslim south are to blame, says the BBC's Jonathan Head.Police do not believe foreign groups or militants from the Muslim south are to blame, says the BBC's Jonathan Head.
Our Bangkok correspondent says many Thais suspect the bombs were the work of opponents of the current military government, which forced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office in September.Our Bangkok correspondent says many Thais suspect the bombs were the work of opponents of the current military government, which forced Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from office in September.
A bomb outside the city's Victory Monument appeared to have caused the most injuries, police said. There was a big bang and people started screaming and running Chalermsak Sanbee Witness
The grenade or bomb blasts went off at six other locations. The largest bomb or grenade explosion went off near a bus station next to one of Bangkok's busiest intersections, Victory Monument.
Our correspondent says bombs are rare in the Thai capital and security is largely relaxed. Police said this caused the biggest number of casualties.
Reports suggest the device was planted beneath a seat at a bus stop or in a rubbish bin.
One witness who was standing nearby, 17-year-old Chalermsak Sanbee told Reuters news agency:
"There was a big bang and people started screaming and running. I saw people with blood all over their legs and faces."
Other blasts occurred:
  • close to a police post in the Saphan Kwai district
  • at a car park in the Season Square shopping mall
  • at a market in the Klong Toey district
  • in the northern suburb of Kae Lai
  • along Sukhumvit Road in the north-east
National police chief General Ajirawit Suphanaphesat said the authorities were inspecting other locations where suspicious packages were found.