UNWTO condemns Bangkok bombing

The UNWTO is among the organizations condemning yesterday’s bombing in Bangkok, which killed 20 people and injured more than 100.

In a statement, Taleb Rifai, secretary general of the UNWTO, said that “these are direct attacks on the livelihood of the Thai people and their economy which is strongly linked with tourism. We stand by the government and the people of Thailand in supporting its tourism sector as a vital pillar of the well-being of Thai people.... Thailand has a long tradition of being a hospitable and welcoming country and we fully believe it will continue to be so.”

The explosion took place yesterday near the Erawan Shrine, one of the city’s main tourist draws. The 20 people killed include 10 Thailand residents, along with visitors from China, the U.K. and Philippines. More than 100 people were injured in the explosion. Bangkok police are currently reviewing cellphone video footage of a possible suspect.

A second bombing was reported this morning, however, there were no injuries in that explosion.

The shrine, which draws many Hindus and Buddhists, is located at the city’s Ratchaprasong intersection in the vicinity of several hotels, shopping centres and a hospital.