Thailand bombs: 'At least one dead and 20 injured' after two devices explode in tourist resort town Hua Hin

The resort town is popular with tourists

(Reuters)

One woman has died and at least 20 other people are injured following two bombs at a seaside resort in Thailand, local media has reported.

It is understood the double explosion took place after the devices were hidden in plant pots and detonated remotely using mobile phones.

The severity of the victims' injuries is not yet known.

The resort town Hua Hin, about 120 miles (200km) south of Bangkok, is popular with tourists in the area.

Local media outlet ThaiPBS tweeted what appeared to be a photo showing emergency services tending to the injured in a hospital.

And reports on the web sites of the Thai Rath newspaper and other media said the bombs were hidden in planters on a busy street with open-front bars.

The reported fatality was a female street food vendor. The victims include Thai people and foreign tourists, whose nationalities were not immediately known.

It was not clear who was behind the attack, but the timing suggested it might be an effort to embarrass the military government that took power two years ago.

In another photo posted by the public broadcasting service, ambulances and police cars appeared to be stationed at the scene.

Junta chief and prime minister Prayuth Chan-ocha yesterday took credit for bringing stability back to Thailand after an extended period of unrest.

The incident took place on the eve of the birthday of Queen Sirikit in a town where she and King Bhumibol Adulyadej maintain a summer palace.

The ruling junta has declared that defending the monarchy is its priority, especially as there is concern about the process to succeed the ailing 88-year-old king, who is the world's longest-reigning monarch.