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Bangkok explosions leave two dead Bangkok explosions leave two dead
(10 minutes later)
A series of explosions has left two people dead and more than 20 injured in the Thai capital, Bangkok. A series of explosions in the Thai capital Bangkok has killed two people and injured more than 20 people - at least six of them foreigners.
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's Eve celebrations. The first spate of attacks occurred in the late afternoon at widely-scattered places as the streets were filling up ahead of New Year's Eve celebrations.
Hours later, at least one further blast was reported in the city. Thai TV said a number of foreigners were injured. Just before midnight local time, two further blasts rocked the city centre.
The Thai authorities cancelled major public celebrations for New Year's Eve after the first devices went off.The Thai authorities cancelled major public celebrations for New Year's Eve after the first devices went off.
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.
There was a big bang and people started screaming and running Chalermsak Sanbee WitnessThere was a big bang and people started screaming and running Chalermsak Sanbee Witness
The largest bomb or grenade explosion went off at about 1730 (1030GMT) near a bus station next to one of Bangkok's busiest intersections, Victory Monument. The latest explosions occurred near the Central World Plaza, a shopping mall.
Of the earlier attacks, the largest was at about 1730 (1030 GMT) near a bus station next to one of Bangkok's busiest intersections, Victory Monument.
Police said this caused the biggest number of casualties.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.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: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.""There was a big bang and people started screaming and running. I saw people with blood all over their legs and faces."
Other blasts were reported:Other blasts were reported:
  • close to a police post in the Saphan Kwai district
  • at a car park in the Seacon Square shopping mall
  • at a market in the Klong Toey district
  • in Kae Lai district in the northern suburb of Nonthaburi
  • along Sukhumvit Road in the north-east
  • close to a police post in the Saphan Kwai district
  • at a car park in the Seacon Square shopping mall
  • at a market in the Klong Toey district
  • in Kae Lai district in the northern suburb of Nonthaburi
  • 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.National police chief General Ajirawit Suphanaphesat said the authorities were inspecting other locations where suspicious packages were found.