Human Rights Watch condemns Bangkok hospital bombing

(Vatican Radio)  The bombing of an army hospital in Bangkok, Monday, that also treats civilians has been condemned by Human Rights Watch as an unjustifiable act of lawlessness.  The detonation of a pipe bomb on 22 May in the dispensary waiting room of Phra Mongkutklao Hospital, injured at least 24 people – three critically. 

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombing, which occurred on the anniversary of the 2014 military coup that brought the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) junta to power, overthrowing a democratically elected government.  

“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 New York-based rights group said authorities should conduct a prompt, impartial, and transparent investigation into the bombing and ensure full respect for due process rights.

Six explosions in Bangkok since coup

Since the coup, at least six explosions have occurred in the Thai capital.  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.   Most of the bombs in Bangkok have caused only minor damage, except for a blast in August 2015 that ‎killed about 20 people near a popular Hindu shrine. ‎ “This bomb was meant to cause casualties as it was packed with a large number of nails,” said army chief, Gen. Chalermchai Sittisart.

"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.”