Bangkok bomb: Deadly blast rocks Thailand capital

A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the centre of Thailand's capital, Bangkok, killing at least 12 people and injuring about 20.

A second bomb has been found in the area and made safe, officials say.

No-one has yet said they carried out the attack, which took place close to the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok's central Chidlom district. The shrine is a major tourist attraction and the Thai government said the attack was aimed at foreigners.

Local media report that tourists may be among the casualties. Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwong said: "It was a TNT bomb... the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy."

The Nation TV channel quoted Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha as saying the government would set up a "war room" to coordinate its response. The explosion occurred at about 19:00 local time (12:00 GMT). Some reports said the bomb had been on a motorcycle, others that it was tied to an electricity pole.