Bangkok bombing

This item appears on page 18 of the October 2015 issue.

A bomb set off at the Erawan Hindu shrine in Bangkok, Thailand, on Aug. 17 killed at least 20 people and injured 125. Tourists, mostly from Southeast Asian countries and China, were among the dead and injured. A suspect was identified via security footage, but, as of press time, no motive had been determined for the attack. 

The shrine, built in the 1950s, contains a 4-faced golden statue of the god Brahma, known locally as Than Tao Mahaprom. Among tourists, it is one of the most popular religious sites in Bangkok. 

Thai authorities have arrested two suspects in relation to the bombing and have named a third. They were reported to be foreigners.

On Aug. 18, an explosive device was thrown toward Sathon pier in Bangkok, but it fell into the water and caused no damage or injuries. Both the shrine and pier bombs are believed to have been pipe bombs, and Thai authorities suspect that the attacks were related.