British teenager among Bangkok dead
A 19-year-old British national was among those killed in Monday’s bomb attack in central Bangkok, the Foreign Office confirmed as a second bomb exploded in the city yesterday.
The teenager, who was living in Hong Kong, is among the 22 confirmed dead following the blast at the Erawan shrine.
Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted his sadness on hearing that Vivian Chan was one of nine foreigners killed.
"Deeply saddened to hear a British national was killed in the horrific Bangkok bombing. My thoughts are with her family & all those affected," he said.
Ms Chan is believed to have been a law student studying in Hong Kong, who previously attended the Harrow International School Hong Kong.
More than 120 people were injured in Monday’s blast, which happened at around 9pm local time. Thailand’s chief of police has said the attack was carried out by a "network".
Investigators are trying to trace the main suspect, a man in a yellow t-shirt who was filmed by security cameras leaving a backpack at the shrine at the exact spot where the bomb exploded.
The Hindu shrine, popular with Thai and Chinese tourists and Buddhists, reopened today.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand stressed that the shrine is not promoted as a tourist attraction to UK and Irish tourists.
"The shrine is in fact a sacred Hindu place that many Buddhists spend time at praying," said the TAT in a statement. " It is one of the most well-known and popular shrines in the city but not of cultural tourism interest to visiting European nationalities. It is generally frequented by Thai and Chinese locals and visitors."
The second bomb, which was planted at a Saphan Taksin pier, did not cause any injuries and was smaller than the bomb in central Bangkok.
Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: "The loss of life and injury in Bangkok is horrific and I condemn this callous act of violence against completely innocent and unsuspecting members of the public.
"I can confirm that one British national, a resident of Hong Kong, lost her life in the attack. British Embassy staff in Thailand are assisting her family at this very difficult time.
"My thoughts are with the victims, their families and loved ones, and with the Thai people.
"Foreign Office officials are in close contact with the Thai authorities and have offered UK assistance in the investigation of this abhorrent act.
"British nationals in Thailand should check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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