Bangkok death toll rises to 27 and 78 wounded

The death toll in Bangkok bomb explosion that occurred close to Erawan shrine at the Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok, Thailand on Monday evening has risen to 27 people and 78 wounded, according to Reuters.

Foreign tourists, including Chinese are among the casualties, government officials said the attack was a in bid to destroy the economy.

"The perpetrators intended to destroy the economy and tourism, because the incident occurred in the heart of the tourism district," Defense Minister Prawit Wongsuwan told Reuters.