By NNN-TNA
Bangkok : Security in the Thai capital is tighter Sunday after a bomb exploded near His Majesty the King’s palace late Saturday night, officials said.
First Army Region commander Lt-Gen. Prayuth Chanocha, who is responsible for security for Bangkok and surrounding provinces in the Central region, said the military has been ordered to work closely with police in finding the bomber while more soldiers have been stationed at Bangkok locations as part of the heightened security measures.
Acting national police chief Pol. Gen. Sereepisuth Temiyaves said the explosive was not powerful and that it was in a box with batteries attached, similar to bombs which exploded here and in Bangkok’s neighbouring province of Nonthaburi on New Year’s Eve.
The December 31 bombings killed three persons and wounded 42, including nine foreigners.
Police and officials of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) had been ordered to tighten security at public places, government offices and department stores. BMA officials will join police in nighttime patrols while more street lighting will be installed, especially in isolated lanes and alleys.
Saturday’s blast occurred on a road opposite Chitralada Palace, residence of His Majesty the King, and wounded a young man. The explosion shattered glass and damaged a nearby telephone booth.
Bomb experts Sunday morning inspected the explosion site, initially finding a green plastic bag, several pieces of newsprint, a piece of metal and a brass coil. Police and other technical experts were meeting with senior police officials through the day Sunday to consider possible motives of Saturday night’s bombing and materials found at the scene.