Bomb blast in Bangkok shopping area injures 7

USPA News - Seven people were injured on late Sunday evening when a home-made bomb exploded in a busy shopping area in the Thai capital of Bangkok, police said on Monday, but it was likely the result of a business dispute rather than a link to violence in the south. The attack happened at around 8:50 p.m. local time on Sunday when a bomb, hidden near rubbish bins, went off on Ramkhamhaeng Road near Ramkhamhaeng University.

It happened as many pedestrians and motorists were passing nearby, but only seven people were reported injured. Bangkok Metropolitan Police said investigators were confident that there was no link to violence in Thailand`s southern regions where separatist groups have fought against the government. A preliminary examination found the types of nails and explosives used in the bomb were significantly different from those frequently used in the south. Instead, investigators believe the bomb blast was likely the result of a business dispute as it appeared the explosion was mainly designed to create panic, not casualties. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was informed of the blast and ordered police to increase security in the area near Ramkhamhaeng University.