Bombings in Thailand

In Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, two bombings occurred in May.

On May 3, a pipe bomb exploded outside of the Grand Palace, injuring two people. Authorities believe the bomb was left in the spot by a motorcycle gang trying to evade authorities and that the site was not specifically targeted.

On May 22, a bomb exploded inside a military hospital in the city, injuring more than 20 people. The hospital serves active and retired military personnel as well as their civilian families. The bomb was placed in the waiting room of a pharmacy and was small; most of the injured were hurt by flying glass. No group claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the third anniversary of the military coup that installed Thailand’s current government. 

Also, in southern Thailand on May 9, a double bombing at a market in the province of Pattani injured more than 40 people at a shopping center. The first bomb, placed in a motorcycle, caused only panic, while the second and larger bomb, detonated in a car, caused the injuries. Southern Thailand is the site of a long-running insurgency led mostly by ethnic Malay groups.