UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Monday said that he "was shocked to learn of the explosion in Bangkok today close to the Erawan shrine and the loss of life of innocent civilians," and voiced his hope that "those responsible will be brought to justice", Xinhua reported.
He "expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and government of Thailand, and wishes those injured a quick recovery," said a statement issued here by Ban's spokesman.
A bomb has exploded close to a shrine in the center of Thailand 's capital of Bangkok, killing at least 18 people, including three Chinese nationals and injuring 117 others, the Chinese embassy in Thailand quoted the Health Ministry as saying.
The blast happened at about 7 p.m. local time Monday near Erawan Shrine at Ratchaprasong intersection in Bangkok, a popular destination for domestic and foreign tourists.
The injured, including Thais, Chinese nationals and Filipinos, have been rushed to nearby hospitals, according to local police.