Five Taiwanese tourists estimated at Thai blast site; Tourism Bureau: Numbers still being tallied

▲ Explosion at Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine in Thailand. (Photo / Digital Image / AP)

Reported by Chen Rui-zhong / Comprehensive reporting

A major explosion occurred around 7 p.m. local time tonight in downtown Bangkok near the Erawan Shrine and Central World shopping mall. Reports indicate that 12 people have been killed and dozens injured.

The Ministry of Transportation’s Tourism Bureau stated that preliminary estimates suggest five Taiwanese tourists were at the scene, with two known to be injured — both from the Lion Travel group. According to Taiwan’s representative office in Thailand, led by Section Chief Yang, and Lion Travel, two members of the Lion “Summer SO Cool 5-Star Thailand” tour group (24 + 1 people), a father and daughter surnamed Zhang, were injured by flying debris. Their injuries were mainly to the feet and back and they were taken to Police General Hospital. The daughter’s injuries were more serious; her bleeding has been stopped and the hospital is arranging X-rays for her. She is now in stable condition. Section Chief Yang from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has visited the hospital.

The Ministry of Transportation’s Tourism Bureau also noted that due to the relatively large number of Taiwanese tour groups and individual travelers currently in Thailand, the actual figures are still being compiled.

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