Police have confirmed the incident in which <a href="http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1041981/six-hurt-as-car-hits-erawan-shrine" target="_blank">a car rammed into the Erawan Shrine</a>, hurting five people, late on Friday was an accident, not a terrorist act.
"The driver had an acute stroke while on the wheel and lost control of herself," said acting Bangkok police chief Pol Lt Gen Sanit Mahataworn said on Saturday.
"Her daughter, who was with her in the car, told us her mother suddenly had a seizure and lost control of the car before it hit the shrine," he said.
"The closed-circuit camera footage showed the car was in reverse gear after the hit. But that's because the daughter was pulling the gear lever or the impact could have been much greater," the police general explained.
"This was not a terrorist or deliberate act to hurt anyone. It's an accident," he added.
The doctor who conducted dyed CT scanning on the driver told the police she did have a stroke. In the meantime, the police might have to press charges until the official confirmation comes, he said.
"If the doctor officially confirms the driver could not possibly have controlled the car in such a condition, she will not be held criminally responsible but civil charges might be filed by the victims, he said.
He added a DNA test also showed it was the mother who was behind the wheel, he added.
Asked why a person with such a risk was allowed to drive, Pol Lt Gen Sanit said her family members insisted she had never had a history. "A stroke can happen to anyone. It could be a one-in-a-million case but it does happen and we have to try to understand her."
The five injured persons are now safe and staying at the Police General Hospital.
"Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul visited the victims and there's nothing to worry about. The Tourism Ministry has a fund to take care of visitors. The most serious cases are broken legs and head wounds."
Asked whether authorities would reinforce the shrine's fences, Pol Lt Gen Sanit said talks might be held to discuss the possibility, especially if it helps bolster confidence among people and tourists.
News of the accident has worried Thais because in August last year a bombing took place inside the shrine, killing 20 and injuring 125. No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the attack. Two men were arrested and the case is ongoing.