Bangkok bomb blast: at least 27 people killed and over 80 injured

A policeman taking pictures of the debris (C)MarkBaker/AP

A deadly bomb blast has been reported to have gone off at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok. Two other bombs have been found and diffused near the scene of the first blast according to the police. The explosion which took place close to the popular Erawan Hundu shrine has left at least 27-people dead and over 80 injured, local media reports. The toll could rise as emergency operations continue.
The Erawan shrine is a major tourist attraction and the Thai government said the attack was aimed at foreigners. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwong said: "It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy."
Local media reports that tourists may be among the casualties.More pictures after the cut

Rescue workers at the scene  (C)PornchaiKittiwongsakul/AFP

                      Rescue workers at work             (C)Demotix

                                                                                                       (C)AFP