Thailand: Small explosion injures one in Bangkok June 16

Event

One person was injured by the detonation of a low-intensity bomb left hidden in a plastic bag in a bush in Bangkok on Friday, June 16. A member of the municipal cleaning staff picked up the bag and opened it, which is when the device exploded.

Context

Several such bombs, referred to as “ping-pong” bombs due to their small size, have gone off in Bangkok in recent months. No group has claimed responsibility, fueling speculation that the explosions are a show of defiance by opponents of the ongoing military rule. Thai authorities have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection to a May 22 explosion at a military-run hospital in central Bangkok; the blast occurred in a guest room for retired military officials, injuring 24 people.

Advice

Individuals in Thailand are advised to report any suspicious activity or objects to the relevant authorities.

On a separate note, some Western governments advise against nonessential travel to the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla as well as areas along the Cambodian and Burmese borders due to the presence of armed militias.