 "Five killed in Bangkok explosion")
At least five people were killed and 20 injured when a huge explosion close to a shrine rocked this Thai capital on Monday, media reported.
The cause of the explosion, which sounded like a loud thunderclap to people living nearby, was not immediately known.
According to media reports, the explosion took place at the Rajprasong intersection, which was the center of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years. It appeared to have occurred in front of the Erawan Shrine, a tourist landmark also popular with Thais.
The shrine to Lord Brahma is located in a commercial hub of Bangkok. Thousands of Buddhist devotees visit it every day.
Police and ambulances rushed to the the scene after the bomb went off.