Singaporean killed, husband injured

A 34-year-old Singaporean woman was killed in the bomb blast that rocked the heart of the Thai capital on Monday night, while her husband was injured.

Melisa Liu Rui Chun died on the spot, according to Thai Police Major-General Pornchai Suteerakune, commander of the Institute of Forensic Medicine.

Her husband, Marcus Ng Su Teck, who was injured by glass fragments, works in sales. When The Straits Times visited him at Ramathibodi Hospital, the 35-year-old said that he plans to return to Singapore today.

Ms Liu, an employee at AXA Singapore, was remembered by friends as a Manchester United fan, a chatty auntie and a loving wife even as they reacted in shock to the news.

"I still don't want to believe it. I'm still hoping they have the wrong person," said Marc Than, a sales and marketing manager.

Mr Than, 31, got to know Ms Liu while they were working as relationship managers in DBS Bank back in 2011.

"She was always laughing, very loud and outgoing. I saw her as one of the boys," he said.

Another friend of the couple, Serene Boey, said they did not have children, but were planning to sign up for a fertility programme this year.

In a statement yesterday, Singapore's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) said: "Our embassy in Bangkok is currently providing consular assistance to the family of the deceased.

"We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family for their loss. We are deeply saddened by this development, and reiterate our strong condemnation of this indiscriminate act of violence."

Chua Siew San, Singapore's Ambassador to Thailand, visited the injured Singaporeans at various local hospitals yesterday, said MFA. Seven Singaporeans, including Mr Ng and Ms Liu's brother, were injured.

All have received medical attention and those with light injuries have been discharged.

The Singapore Embassy will continue to provide consular support for the injured Singaporeans and their next-of-kin, said the Foreign Ministry.

"MFA has also contacted the majority of the registered Singaporeans in Bangkok. We are monitoring the situation closely," said the ministry.

At least 22 people were killed and more than 120 wounded in the bomb attack at the Erawan Shrine, which is popular with both locals and tourists. The dead also include citizens from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand.