Thai police said Friday they had found and defused six potentially explosive devices in the capital Bangkok, days after the government called for heightened vigilance over the New Year period.
A man was arrested on suspicion of planting the devices outside a bank, on an overpass and at a road intersection, all in the city’s eastern suburbs.
“So far six bombs were found at three locations,” Major General Wichai Sungprapai, metropolitan area commander, told AFP.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung told reporters that the suspect, 44-year-old Jirawat Chanpeng from northeast Thailand, denied the charges, but added that he was confident the police had sufficient evidence and witnesses.
He said five of the devices were designed to be triggered by alarm clocks and one by remote control.
The authorities said the discovery followed a police investigation.
Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday urged authorities to be on alert after police said they were boosting security at top tourist spots and retail areas in the capital during New Year celebrations.
Police have said areas such as the Central World shopping centre, where a countdown event will be held, and the Khao San Road backpacker district were put on high alert after an incomplete bomb was found in the city last week.
Authorities have not specified what group they believe to be behind the threat.
