Bangkok bombings retaliation against Thai govt clampdown on human trafficking

BANGKOK - The two bombing attacks in Bangkok last month were retaliation against Thai government's suppression of human trafficking gangs, the authorities said Monday.

A screenshot of September 28 shows the press conference by the National Council for Peace and Order of Thailand announcing the conviction of the Thai bombing attacks in Bangkok last month. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Any other possibilities are not yet ruled out, though there is no validity in other motives, Winthai Suwaree, spokesman of the National Council for Peace and Order, told a televised press conference.

The authorities have so far apprehended Adem Karadak and Mieraili Yusufu, two of the 17 suspects facing arrest warrants, Winthai said, adding they were responsible for planting explosives at the Ratchaprasong intersection and the Sathorn Pier on Aug 17 and 18.

The Aug 17 bombing killed 20 people and injured more than 120 others, while the subsequent one caused no casualties.

Karadak and Yusufu, whose nationalities have yet to be confirmed, have confessed their crimes and were taken to reenact the crime at the sites on Saturday, according to Winthai.

The reenactment of the incidents in relevant areas has proven to be consistent with the evidence and investigation result, he said.

The two suspects have been charged with participating in a premeditated murder, in an attempt of premeditated murder, joint unauthorized possession of offensive weapons and joint possession of unauthorized explosives, among others.

Winthai stressed that investigators are expediting efforts to bring other accomplices to justice.