Thai official says Bangkok bombing aimed to 'destroy' tourism industry

Thailand's defense minister says the bomb blast Monday at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok was meant to kill foreigners and cripple the country’s tourism industry.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 120 injured when a pipe bomb went off outside the major tourist attraction, an army official said. Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told Reuters the bombing was "intended to destroy" the economy and tourism, as it occurred in the "heart of the tourism district." Tourism accounts for 10 percent of Thailand's economy, and the government was expecting more visitors to come this year, following unrest in 2014.

So far, no group has claimed responsibility. The country's army chief said that the attack does not match tactics used previously by separatist rebels in southern Thailand.

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