Thai Military Government: A Suspect Identified in Bangkok Explosion

The military government ruling Thailand has described the deadly explosion at the Bangkok temple, which has resulted in 21 fatalities, as the worst attack of its kind in the country's history. Prayut Chan-o-cha, the leader of the Thai military council and head of the government, told reporters on August 27 that the attack on the Hindu temple, popular among tourists, is 'the worst attack in history' against the Kingdom of Thailand. Chan-o-cha stated that security forces are searching for a suspect whose image was captured by urban cameras near the explosion site, although the image is not clear. According to the Prime Minister of Thailand, there is a suspicion that this individual may be from 'anti-government elements in the northeast.' Northeastern Thailand is the birthplace of many 'Red Shirts,' individuals and groups opposing the current government that seized power through a coup. Thai media have quoted the country's defense minister stating that the explosion targeted 'foreign tourists' and aimed to 'strike at the economy' stemming from tourism in the country. The tourism industry directly accounts for 9% and over 20% of Thailand's total GDP. Footage and images of the moment of the explosion have also been recorded and shared on social media. It is still unclear who is responsible for this bombing. Thailand, especially Bangkok, its capital, has been the scene of anti-government protests in recent years, primarily pitting two groups against each other: people from rural areas and smaller towns (the Red Shirts) and the urban middle class. During those protests, violence, including deadly explosions, has occurred. Thailand also has a Muslim minority, some of whom have previously engaged in violent actions for separatist purposes. At least 16 people were killed in the Bangkok explosion.