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Police Investigates Chiang Mai Explosion

UPDATE : 21 December 2010

Chiang Mai authorities are speeding up their investigation into the blast that occurred in a bathroom at a government building on Sunday night.

Police have yet to determine the cause the blast.

Following a blast that occurred in the men's bathroom of the government omplex in Chiang Mai's San Kampaeng district, forensic police have closed off the area in order to collect further evidence to determine the cause of the explosion.

The blast severely damaged the bathroom ceiling and officials believe the blast went off near the bathroom sink where police found traces of of a substance resembling gun powder.

An initial police investigation suggests that the blast was caused by either gas pressure that built up in the bathroom's septic tank or instigators trying to stir up fear and chaos.


Nonetheless, police are awaiting forensics results and witness testimony before determining the actual cause of the explosion.

Chiang Mai Provincial Police Chief, Police Major General Somsak Chanthaping commented on the blast saying that the police have yet to determine what caused the explosion and must wait for results from the forensics department.

He also pointed out that the bathroom has long been out of service.

As for speculations that it was a staged attack, since it coincided with the day of the red-shirt rally, the provincial police chief said that it unlikely that they are linked since instigators would probably not target an abandoned bathroom to incite fear and chaos.

When asked about the red-shirt rally, he said it is the right of the public to express their political opinions as long as it is done peacefully.

Authorities have been monitoring the red-shirt movement, and noted that no unusual activities have been reported.

Aside from Sunday night's bathroom explosion at the government complex, there was a report of another explosion morning at the home of Police Sergeant Booncheun Sukhantharot where police have initiated another investigation.

Details have yet to be released.