At least 12 people have been killed and many more injured in a bomb blast in Central Bangkok tonight, said Thai police.

The explosion at 8pm Malaysian time occurred at the Ratchaprasong intersection, near the famous Erawan Shrine and Bangkok's colourful and high-street shopping.

It also damaged several cars and motorcycles. It was also reported that street vendors along the road were believed to be among the victims of the explosion.

According to Thai police chief Gen Somyot Poompanmoung, the explosion was caused by a TNT bomb.

An unconfirmed report from a police source stated there were two more unexploded bombs, indicating that those responsible wanted to cause major damage.   

Ratchaprasong intersection in central Bangkok was a location of both protest sites for the Red Shirt in 2010 and PDRC (The People Democratic Reform Committee) protest led by Suthep Thuaksuban in 2014, that eventually led to a military coup and removal of ex-premier Yingluck Shinawatra.   

Despite the bombing located not far from the Chitlom station of the rail service of Bangkok Train Service or popularly known skytrain, the service still continues.

Major Gen Weerachon Sukhonthapatipak, the deputy government spokesperson said Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha had already been informed of the bomb explosion and he had instructed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team to go to the area.

He said so far, there was no plan to close schools and banks near the area.

- Bernama