Reported explosions across Bangkok
Sounds of explosions were heard across at least three areas across Bangkok on Friday, the morning of 2nd August 2019. Venues confirmed include a Government Complex on Chaeng Wattana Road, Soi Rama 9, Yaek 57/1, and King Power Mahanakhon Building near Chong Nonsi BTS station.
Here’s a detailed timeline of events based on what we know of the case so far:
7:05AM
Image credit: JS100Radio
Police officers at Thung Song Hong Police Station receive reports of 3 explosions in the garden area in front of Building B of a Government Complex, located on Chaeng Wattana Road, Lak Si district of Bangkok.
Image credit: Matichon
Police suspect that the explosives are Improvised Explosive Devices (IED). No reports of casualties have been made at the time of writing.
8:24AM-8:50AM
A third explosion occurs in the heart of the CBD district, in front of Mahanakhon Building. The location of the explosion is confirmed to be Chong Nonsi BTS Station, reports the Bangkok Post.
Netizens have gone to social media to report the timing of the initial explosion, which is said to have happened around 8.30AM, followed by a second explosion at 9.17AM:
However, the police have not confirmed this yet.
No casualties have been reported as of yet, though damages in the area have been made:
- Initial discoveries reveal debris of the blast covering the pavements
- Glass panel on the platform of BTS Chong Nonsi.
Image credit: Twitter
Exits 1 and 2 of Chong Nonsi BTS station are currently closed off for investigations and safety reasons.
Image credit: Twitter
Translation: “Prior to the bombing, I heard the sound of a motorcycle going at a very fast speed. I happened to be close by the BTS. It was incredibly loud and very frightening.”
Source: Twitter
08:50AM-9:00AM
Image credit: Thai PBS News
Police officers are informed of an explosion in the area of 57/1 Junction, Soi Rama 9. Officers suspect the explosion to have been caused by a “ping pong bomb”, based off debris found by cleaning officers from the Suan Luang District.
Two cleaning officers sustained injuries and have been sent to Sirindhorn Hospital.
12:08PM
Suspicious objects reported near Saladaeng BTS station. Officers have reached the site and is now waiting for EOD officers to investigate the area, reports JS100Radio via Twitter.
Image credit: Twitter
Residents to stay calm and vigilant during this time
Members of the public are advised to stay away from the reported areas, and remain calm and vigilant. Here are places to avoid for extra precaution:
- Victory Monument
- Siam Square
- Hua Lumphong Train Station
- MRT, BTS, and bus terminals situated in the central city area
Citizens can cooperate by informing the police should they see suspicious behaviours or objects in the public area.
In case of an emergency, do not hesitate to contact the police hotline at 191.
For more news on the Bangkok explosions, read our articles here:
- Explosions Take Place During Time Of ASEAN Security Summit In Bangkok, Reports Still Under Investigation
- Pratunam Fires – Police Investigate Evidence Amidst Bangkok Explosions
- Thai Netizens Spread Positivity Online In Light Of Recent Bomb Explosions In Bangkok
Cover image adapted from: JS100Radio, Twitter