Singapore condemns 'heinous attack'

Singapore has strongly condemned the bomb blast in Bangkok, calling it a "heinous attack".

Foreign Minister K. Shanmugam said in Parliament yesterday that "nothing can justify the killing of innocent civilians".

Singaporean Melisa Liu Rui Chun, 34, died in the blast and her husband Ng Su Teck, 35, who was hit by a glass shrapnel, is among the seven injured Singaporeans.

Mr Shanmugam, expressing pain over a life gone too soon, said: "Someone's evil action. And a life of promise, snatched away in a moment of terror.

And an innocent family's lifetime of grief. It is a tragic loss. To all who were injured, including the Singaporeans, we wish them speedy recovery."

In a ministerial statement, Mr Shanmugam said the injured Singaporeans are receiving medical attention and some with minor injuries have been discharged.

Singapore extends its deepest sympathies to the people and government of Thailand, as well as the victims, he added.

On behalf of MPs, he expressed "deepest condolences" to Ms Liu's family.

President Tony Tan Keng Yam, in a Facebook post, said he was "saddened by the confirmation" that a Singaporean was killed. "Our thoughts are with the bereaved family during this difficult time for them," he added.

Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean also expressed his condolences on Facebook, stressing the need to stay vigilant. He urged people to do their part in reporting suspicious activities or persons, adding that security measures here have been stepped up.

Mr Teo, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and the Home Affairs Minister, said the blast shows no country is immune from such an attack.

"We must therefore also strengthen our social resilience, so that if an incident were to occur here, we will stand together, recover quickly and emerge stronger and more united," he added.

wongsy@sph.com.sg

This article was first published on August 19, 2015.
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