Thai junta steps up security

Thailand's junta vowed yesterday to tighten security after two homemade pipe bombs detonated near a Bangkok shopping mall, the first major disruption to an uneasy peace imposed under martial law since last May's coup.

Authorities declined to speculate whether the small bombs -- which caused minor injuries to two passers-by when they exploded near the downtown Paragon mall on Sunday evening -- were linked to the nation's turbulent politics.

But deputy prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon warned the public will now face stepped up security.

A team of forensic police yesterday sifted through the debris created by the blasts, which struck at around 8 pm (1300 GMT) on Sunday on a walkway leading to the busy Paragon shopping centre.

"They were pipe bombs... low pressure explosive devices," national police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri told reporters.

"They did not aim to cause major damage... they were used to create trouble," he added.