Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Bangkok bomb: CCTV images released of suspect

More than 20 people were killed in the 'worst' attack in Thai capital

Rose Troup Buchanan
Wednesday 19 August 2015 07:21 BST
Comments
Authorities have released images of a man seen near the shrine, shortly before the bomb detonated
Authorities have released images of a man seen near the shrine, shortly before the bomb detonated (Twitter)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Thai authorities have released CCTV images of a man they wish to question in connection with the Bangkok bomb that killed at least 20 people.

The images, captured on CCTV near the Erawan Hindu Shrine shortly before the suspected pipe bomb detonated at around 7pm local time, appear to show a young man dressed in a yellow T-shirt carrying a rucksack.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, believed to have been aimed at disrupting Bangkok’s bustling tourist industry.

At a press conference, national police chief Somyot Pumpanmuang said the unidentified man could be a Thai national or foreigner.

"That man was carrying a backpack and walked past the scene at the time of the incident. But we need to look at the before and after CCTV footage to see if there is a link," Mr Somyot told reporters.

The release of the images - which have been widely shared online - follows remarks by the defence minister Prawit Wonsuwan. Earlier, he told reporters that authorities had a “much clearer” idea of the identity of the attacks but stressed he was unable to reveal more details.

Authorities are remaining tight-lipped on the possible identities behind the attack. Police said on Monday they had not ruled out any group, including elements opposed to the military government who took power in a coup last year.

Officers have noted that the attack has not matched previous tactics of southern Muslim insurgents who are fighting a low-level insurgency with authorities. They rarely attack outside their heartland.

Additional reporting by Reuters

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in