MANHUNT

Foreign Role ‘Unlikely’ in Bangkok Blast

Police believe at least 10 plotters involved.

Thai government officials said Thursday that it was “unlikely” international terrorists were involved in the bombing of a popular shrine this week. Col. Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for the ruling military junta, said investigators believe at least 10 people are suspected in the attack on the Erawan Shrine, which left at least 20 people dead and injured hundreds of others. Authorities have issued a warrant for one unidentified man caught on surveillance footage leaving a backpack at the shrine just before the explosion, as well as a $28,000 reward for any information leading to the suspect’s arrest. Police said the suspect may have fled the country and have sent Interpol an image of the man in a yellow shirt. National police Chief Somyot Pumpanmuang also said the attack had to have been planned at least a month in advance.