Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha has called for unity across Thailand after police said a series of bombings that left four people dead and more than 30 injured was likely politically motivated.
“Thais must help each other to restore safety and security to the nation,” Prayut said. “We must join together to eliminate evil from our society.”
“The bombings show the mindset of some Thais, that some evil elements still exist within our society,” Prayut told the nation.
Prayut ended his address by calling for “unity for the Thai people”.
Police said the attacks on tourist destinations and official buildings across five provinces on Thursday and yesterday were likely triggered by the political situation in Thailand, and that “local elements” were suspected in carrying them out.
The most serious blast, which struck around midnight (1700 GMT on Thursday) in the busy seaside resort of Hua Hin, killed one person and injured 20 more.
Those injured included three Germans, three Italians, three Dutch citizens and one Austrian, according to official tallies.
Speaking from the National Police Headquarters in Bangkok, Police Chief Chakthip Chaijinda told reporters that he believed they were carried out by people dissatisfied with the political situation in Thailand, which is currently in its third year under a military government.
Chakthip said it could have been carried out by opponents of a military-drafted constitution, which was approved in a referendum last week.
“You have to look at where the attacks occurred, all these provinces voted for [the military constitution],” he said. “This is just my opinion, but these attacks were in relation to the political developments.”
Prayut: The bombings show the mindset of some Thais, that some evil elements still exist within our society.
