Several small explosions hit Bangkok during ASEAN forum

Aug. 2 (UPI) -- At least four people were injured Friday in a series of small explosions that shook Bangkok, where a regional security summit is being held.

Police said six bombs went off, and a seventh explosive device was found before it exploded. None of the injuries were serious.

Police said the blasts were heard at several locations throughout the city, resulting in injuries to at least two street cleaners and the closure at a Skytrain station, the Bangkok Post reported. Another series of explosions were heard a short time later near a government complex and outside the King Power Mahanakhon Building.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-cha condemned the violence.

"I condemn those behind this morning's bombing event," he tweeted. "This destroys the peace and our country's image and I order the staff to take care of the public's safety and those who have been affected."

Chan-cha instructed police to increase efforts to catch the bombers.

"The prime minister asks the public not to panic and to stay alert and inform the authorities of any irregularities," government spokeswoman Naruemol Pinyosinthawa said.

Police found two fake bombs Thursday near the city's Royal Thai Police Headquarters. Bomb disposal officers destroyed the devices and two men were arrested.

The blasts Friday occurred as Bangkok hosts an Association of Southeast Asian Nations forum, a security forum with U.S. Secretary Mike Pompeo in attendance.