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At least four people killed in bombings at Thai tourist destinations

At least four people have been killed and more than 20 injured in a string of bomb blasts ac...
Newstalk
Newstalk

20.20 11 Aug 2016


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At least four people killed in...

At least four people killed in bombings at Thai tourist destinations

Newstalk
Newstalk

20.20 11 Aug 2016


Share this article


At least four people have been killed and more than 20 injured in a string of bomb blasts across Thailand.

Twin blasts hit the holiday resort of Hua Hin late last night and again this morning.

A further two bombs were planted on the popular tourist island of Phuket earlier, with another two in the southern towns of Trang and Surat Thani.

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Ireland's embassy in Bangkok said there was "no indication" any Irish person was injured in the blasts.

It is believed the two bombs which exploded in Hua Hin yesterday may have been triggered by mobile phones.

Thailand terror attacks: Why now?

They are said to have been placed in plant pots 50 metres apart on a busy street packed with open-front bars and street vendors.

Police found ball-bearings at the scene which they think were put in the bombs to cause maximum injury.

Hua Hin is famous as a regular retreat of the Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who lives there in the Klai Kangwon Royal Palace, which translates as "Far from Worries Palace".

It is a popular destination for both Thai and foreign holidaymakers.

'Local sabotage'

Authorities in Thailand have blamed the attacks on "local sabotage".

Less than a week ago, Thais voted in a referendum to adopt a military-backed constitution.

It is being seen as the first test at the ballot box for Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who seized power in a coup in May 2014.

In its latest travel advice, the Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Political tensions may escalate leading up to the 7th and afterwards."

For much of the past decade, Thailand has been plagued by political violence, including several bombings.


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