Bangkok: Bomb blast near Erawan 17 Aug 2015 (merged threads)
 

There has been a large explosion close to a shrine in the centre of the Thai capital, Bangkok.

:td: :(

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33963280

Update: Live TV reporting many casualties. Over a dozen and counting up by the minute.

Local reports suggest at least 12 people have died and dozens have been injured.

The BBC's Jonathan Head, who is at the scene, says there is a huge amount of chaos, with body parts scattered everywhere.

The attack took place close to the Erawan Shrine in the capital's central Chidlom district.

Bomb blast near Erawan
 

It's all over the news now. The police confirmed it's a bomb.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33963280

I hope flyertalkers are all ok as it's a popular area with us and several hotels near there.

Already in the news lounge

Posts on Erawan attack in Bangkok - 17 Aug 15
 

There was a massive truck bomb explosion in Erawan today. Everyone please be careful: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33963280

Hope the hotel and staff are safe.. I just came back from there last week.

I was just coming here to post this. This is horrible. I am supposed to be there in about three weeks.

Of course nothing on TV, just the daily Royal news. :confused:

Plenty of information on social media including 4 - 5 dead, up to 20 injured.

Also saw mention of a faulty LPG installation in a taxi, possibly being the cause.

But as with any incident there is a lot of conflicting information.

Heavy thunderstorms approaching as well.

It's on Sky News now. 12 killed 20 others injured. At least one foreign tourist victim.

and here I am going to bkk this Sunday >.<
I pray for everyone's safety.

That claim is premature; there are suggestions the bomb was placed on the sidewalk near the entrance. A BBC reporter stated there was a crater but never indicated the location. The footage is gruesome regardless.

We stay here often and celebrated my better half's birthday 3 weeks ago with a visit to the shrine as well.

This whole episodes hits too close to home.

We have plans to be back in 3 weeks as well.

Blast in Bangkok - Erawan Shrine, Chidlom
 

This is awful! A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the centre of the Thai capital, Bangkok. local reports suggest at least 12 people have died and dozens have been injured.

Video of the blast moment. Scary!

Pictures of the blast and aftermath.

It appears the explosion was right at the shrine gate/fence.

We're getting all our TV based info from Channel News Asia, Thai PBS and BBC. Channel 3 and 7 are nothing but fluff, still.

Reports now of a potential second bomb needing to be defused. According to CNN so take it with a grain of salt.