(New York) – The detonation of a pipe bomb at an army-run hospital in Bangkok that also treats civilians is an unjustifiable act of lawlessness, Human Rights Watch said today. The bomb exploded at about 10 a.m. on May 22, 2017, in the dispensary waiting room of Phra Mongkutklao Hospital, injuring at least 24 people – three critically.
No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the third anniversary of the military coup that brought the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta to power.
“The bombing of a hospital is an outrageous rights abuse that shows total disregard for human life,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Bombing hospitals not only risks the lives of patients and medical workers, but disrupts medical care for many more.”
The authorities should conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the bombing and ensure full respect for due process rights.
Similar pipe bombs exploded in front of Bangkok’s National Theater in Bangkok on May 15, and near the Government Lottery Office on April 5. No one has claimed responsibility or has been apprehended in those attacks.
“Thai authorities should ensure those responsible for this heinous crime are apprehended and brought to trial,” Adams said. “Upholding due process rights for those accused of the attack is critically important to deliver justice to the victims and deter such vicious attacks in the future.”
