Multiple deaths and injuries have been reported after a large explosion in Bangkok city centre.
At least two bombs were found at the scene, said Major General Weerachon Sukhondhapatipak, a spokesman for Thailand’s ruling junta.
He said at least one had detonated.
16 people have been confirmed dead, with local media reporting up to 27 fatalities, and at least 80 injured.
Maj Gen Weerachon said dozens were injured, and that some foreigners were among the wounded.
The explosion took place at the Rajprasong intersection, which has been the centre of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years.
It occurred in front of the Erawan Shrine, a tourist landmark also popular with Thais.
The first bomb was found inside the shrine compound, while the second was found opposite the complex, Maj Gen Weerachon said.
Thailand’s capital has been relatively peaceful since a military coup ousted a civilian government in May last year after several months of sometimes violent political protests against the previous government.
However, there has been some tension in recent months as the junta has made clear it may not hold elections until 2017 and wants a constitution that will allow some type of emergency rule to take the place of an elected government.
Car bombs are almost unknown in Bangkok but have been used in southern Thailand, where a Muslim separatist insurgency has been flaring for several years.
A second bomb inside the shrine has been discovered and defused, while there are reports of a third device on a train that teams are working to neutralise.
Social media shows scenes of chaos, and body parts scattered everywhere.
Four foreigners are being reported as among the dead.
จนท.ตรวจสอบหลุมระเบิดขนาดใหญ่ตรงศาลพระพรหม pic.twitter.com/v4GTWm9Kjr
— joe black (@joe_black317) August 17, 2015
This shocking footage shows the moment the bomb went off.
VIDEO: Footage of the moment of the explosion in #Bangkok today.pic.twitter.com/6pc5lojXqR – @dekdue_03
— Conflict News (@Conflicts) August 17, 2015
