6 Bombs defused in Bangkok

Thai authorities have announced that six bombs found in Bangkok while one suspect was arrested.

The news comes just days of a warning from Thai police that urged revellers to stay away from prominent tourist spots during New Year celebrations due to the risk of possible attacks.

The homemade bombs were discovered in Bangkok’s eastern Lat Krabang district.  One of the bombs was placed outside of a bank and at a road intersection.

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrang said that police had arrested 44-year-old Jirawat Chanpeng. The arrest was made after it was suspected that he left an explosive device out the front of a Government Lottery Office on December 6, which authorities defused just hours before it was detonated to go off.

Chalerm said that five of the bombs were triggered by alarm clocks, while another one used a remote control device.

Police say that they believe that Mr Jirawat did not act alone, but it is not yet known whether he has any links with political groups.

He has denied any knowledge of the bomb plot and insisted that he would only provide a statement in court.  Police have charged him with illegal possession of explosives.

Authorities have urged the public of a heightened risk of bombs during the festive season. The announcement, made by Thailand’s Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, urged the public to be alert and said that public security would be bolstered around popular gathering points, such as CentralWorld.

The move comes after bombs killed three and wounded 38 during a bombing on New Year’s eve in 2006.