Bombing suspects caught on security video

Bombing suspects caught on security video

Surveillance camera footage at the BTS train station in front of the Siam Paragon shopping centre in Pathumwan district shows two suspects police are trying to identify. (Twitter photo)
Surveillance camera footage at the BTS train station in front of the Siam Paragon shopping centre in Pathumwan district shows two suspects police are trying to identify. (Twitter photo)

Pictures showing two suspects in the Siam Paragon bombing were released by authorities on Tuesday as foreign embassies updated travel advisories, warning their citizens to be "vigilant" while in Bangkok.

Surveillance camera footage at the BTS train station in front of the Siam Paragon shopping centre in Pathumwan district shows two suspects police are trying to identify. (Twitter photo)

The UK and US governments both updated travel advisories in the wake of the two bomb explosions at Siam Paragon shopping centre on Sunday night.

Referring to the explosions from the timed and improvised pipe bombs, the US embassy stated that, "while the security situation has been generally peaceful over the last six months, this event emphasizes that security incidents can occur without warning.

"While traveling in Thailand, US citizens are advised to remain vigilant and exercise caution, especially if in the vicinity of any large gatherings."

The UK embassy website said: "There is a high threat from terrorism. Bomb and grenade attacks have been indiscriminate, including in places visited by expatriates and foreign travellers... You should remain vigilant and keep abreast of local security advice and media reports."

Russ Jalichangra, deputy director-general of the Department of Information, said it was normal practice for foreign governments to warn their citizens because they were responsible for their safety.

He said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was actively explaining the bombing through Thai embassies and consulates-general worldwide.

The two explosions caused only slight damage and there were no fatalities. The incident should not influence travelers' decisions to visit Thailand, or investors, Mr Russ said.

Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri, assistant police chief and spokesman of the Royal Thai Police Office,told a press briefing on Tuesday that investigators were trying to identify two men caught on security camera film wearing black and white caps and sitting close to the bomb locations, with suspicious bags.

"They are Asian men with moderate bodies wearing black and white caps... The Metropolitan Police Bureau is examining recordings and checking if they are the bombers," Pol Lt Gen Prawut said.

Police saw them on surveillance camera footage but did not have enough evidence to seek warrants for their arrest, as surveillance cameras did not completely cover the vicinity of the bombing and the men's actions were not totally videoed, Pol Lt Gen Prawut said.

Investigators were still collecting fingerprints from the area. Alhough the inquiry had made progress there was not enough data to shortlist any group of people as being responsible for the attack, he said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha had ordered the quick arrest of suspects to restore people's confidence. Security had been intensified in areas where people gathered in crowds, including train stations, bus terminals, department stores, movie theatres and night markets.

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