The Canadian government is advising Canadians not to travel to Bangkok after a series of deadly bombings on New Year's Eve.
Nine bombs exploded across the Thai capital late Sunday and early Monday, killing three and injuring 38, including nine foreigners.
Bangkok Bomb Squad officers search for clues at the scene of a bomb explosion Sunday, Dec. 31, 2006 in downtown Bangkok.
(David Longstreath/Associated Press)
Ajirawit Suphanaphesat, Thai deputy national police chief, said the injured foreigners included four Hungarians, three Serbians and two British citizens.
The bombings caused officials to cancel New Year's celebrations during the peak of the tourist season in the city of nine million.
The bombs exploded outside a shopping mall, vegetable market, parking lot and road intersection, and along the main boulevard where the main street party was to have been held.
Ottawa issues travel warning
Thailand's Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont speaks during a news conference Monday.
(Apichart Weerawong/Associated Press)
Canada joined Australia, Britain, New Zealand and the United States in advising citizens to avoid travel to Bangkok.
In its advisory, Canada warns against non-essential travel to the city.
Canadians already there are advised to avoid crowds and highly congested areas where violent demonstrations could occur, it says.
Bombers want political instability: PM
Surayud Chulanont, Thailand's prime minister, on Monday blamed the bombings on supporters of the country's toppled leadership rather than on Muslim insurgents.
"We could not at this stage pinpoint which particular group was involved," Surayud told a news conference.
"From the evidence we have gathered, there is a slim chance that it is related to the southern insurgency. It is likely related to people who lost their political benefits," Surayud said, referring to followers of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Thaksin, who is believed to be living in exile in China, was ousted in September following a bloodless military coup, led by Gen. Sondhi Boonyaratkalin. Surayud was appointed interim prime minister until elections in October.
"The people who carried out the bombings were ill-intentioned people who want (the attacks) to have political impact. They want to create a scenario of a politically unstable Thailand," said Surayud.
Thailand is a largely Buddhist country, but Muslims make up the majority in the deep south, where they have long complained of discrimination.
With files from the Associated Press
