Three killed in Ratchaprasong explosion

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BANGKOK, Feb 24 — Three persons were killed in an explosion in front of the Big C Supercenter in Ratchadamri, not far from the Ratchaprasong intersection where the anti-government protesters are rallying.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA)’s Erawan Medical Centre reported that 24 persons were injured in the bomb attack and three later died at hospital.

The latest casualty was a 6-year-old girl identified as Patcharakorn Yos-ubon. Doctors at Ramathibodi Hospital said she died from injuries to her brain and liver.

Her younger brother Korawich, a 4-year-old boy, was earlier pronounced dead at Ramathibodi Hospital after receiving severe brain injuries.

Another victim was 59-year-old woman named Tipapan Suwanmanee, their aunt, who died at Phyathai 1 Hospital.

There were 11 victims who were treated at various hospitals – Rajavithi, Chulalongkorn, Ramathibodi and Phramongkutklao.

The bombing occurred at about 4pm on Sunday. Police said it was believed that the explosion was a 40mm round shot from an M79 grenade launcher from high- rise building outside the protest area of the People’s Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC).

Police said the M79 launcher could shoot from 300-400 metres away and this attack was aimed for casualty as the target was the crowded area.

The grenade fell near a 3-wheel tuk tuk- taxi delivering passengers near protest souvenir vendor stalls.

Police were investigating the incident, but surveillance camera footage revealed no clues to investigators.