Huge explosion rocks central Bangkok, reports of casualties

A huge explosion has rocked Thailand's capital shortly after 1300 BST on Monday and there are reports of casualties.

The local TV has confirmed the blast was caused by a bomb carried on a motorbike and has reported 12 victims and 20 people injured.

The explosion happened outside the Erawan Hindu shrine in the downtown Chidlom district, close to the Ratchaprasong intersection, which has been the centre of political demonstrations in recent years. The shrine is to the Hindu god Brahma, but is also visited by thousands of Buddhists each day.

Thailand has witnessed a number of political coups in recent years, with the military taking over the ruling the country in May 2014 after ousting the previous government following months of unrest.