7 Chinese confirmed killed in Bangkok

A police officer stands in front of the Erawan shrine, the site of a deadly blast, in central Bangkok, Thailand, August 18, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]

Thai police said they are hunting for a suspect seen in video footage: a man wearing a yellow T-shirt and dark-framed glasses, who they believe may be connected to the bombing at Erawan Shrine.

The Thai Tourism Ministry announced compensation of 300,000 baht ($8,500) for the death of each international traveler, and 10,000 baht for every injured one.

"It is still too early to tell the influence of the bombing on Thailand's tourism industry. There are cancellations after Monday's accident, but the priority of our work is to provide sufficient medical service to injured people," said Tourism Minister Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul.

Earlier on Tuesday afternoon, a pipe bomb was thrown from Sathorn Bridge in Bangkok, but it hit a pillar and bounced into a canal, where it detonated harmlessly, sending up a large plume of water, the Bangkok Post quoted Thai police as saying.

Sathorn Pier, which is under the bridge, is a major terminal linking Chao Phraya River commuter boats and the nearby Skytrain station. It's also a major tourist stop, especially for Chinese tour groups.

The two bombs had a strong influence on Chinese travelers, who are the largest source of visitors for Thailand's tourism market.

zhaoyanrong@chinadaily.com.cn