Blast rocks Bangkok

A scene of the blast in Bangkok. The photo was posted by a witness on Twitter.

A bomb on a motorcycle exploded on Monday just outside a Hindu shrine in Bangkok, killing at least 15 people, the government said.

At least two bombs were found at the scene, said Maj. Gen. Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for Thailand’s ruling junta. He said at least one had detonated.

Thai PBS television said at least 15 people were killed. Weerachon said that some foreigners were among the many injured.

Bangkok blast. Any Indian in distress should contact Indian Embassy. Emergency no +66618819218. Embassy landline numbers are +6622580300-5

— India in Thailand (@IndiainThailand)

>August 17, 2015

The explosion took place at the Rajprasong intersection, in front of the Erawan Shrine.

The first bomb was found inside the shrine compound, while the second was found opposite the complex, Weerachon said.

A witness at the scene said she saw pieces of human flesh near the blast site, and a soldier later told onlookers to move back, saying they were checking for a second bomb.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility. Thai forces are fighting a low-level Muslim insurgency in the predominantly Buddhist country's south, although those rebels have rarely launched attacks outside their ethnic Malay heartland.

"The perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism because the incident occurred in the heart of the tourism district," Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan said.

The Erawan shrine, on a busy corner near top hotels, shopping centres and offices, is a major tourist attraction, especially for visitors from East Asia. Many ordinary Thais also worship there.