Thai authorities claim progress in bombing investigation

He noted she was not considered a suspect but could have valuable witness testimony, if police could find her.

As Thai authorities said Saturday that much progress was being made in their investigation into the deadly bombing in central Bangkok that killed 20 people, a new surveillance video has surfaced offering a possible clue to solving the crime.

Police have issued an arrest warrant and released a sketch of a slender, young, allegedly foreign man with straggly hair and round glasses.

Prime Minister Prayuth, however, said, “It won’t be necessary to cooperate on the investigation with US officers”.

Col. Winthai Suvaree, a spokesman for Thailand’s ruling junta, also said closed circuit television was used to learn the transportation route the suspected bomber took to and from the site of Monday evening’s rush-hour attack.

After initially being criticised for sending out confusing messages, authorities have appeared more guarded in their statements.

A massive manhunt for the suspects is underway, Pol Gen Somyot said, revealing further that Thai police and security services have contacted global Police Association (INTERPOL)and relevant agencies for information leading to the suspect.

He said investigators are reviewing surveillance video from Bangkok’s two worldwide airports as well as from the scene of the bombing.

“We will continue to consult closely with local authorities regarding the attack and will provide assistance as appropriate”, embassy spokeswoman Melissa Sweeney.

Doves are released for peace at the Erawan Shrine at Rajprasong…

Buddhist monks pray at a religious ceremony for bombing victims at…

Most of the victims were ethnic Chinese tourists from around Asia, with five of the dead from mainland China and two from Hong Kong.

Office worker Pratuang Limkul was among many Bangkok residents who also came to pay respects.

Thailand is preparing to hold a funeral for four of the Chinese victims killed in the explosion in Bangkok earlier this week.

It is still not clear what motivated the attack as there has been no claim of responsibility with suggestions of domestic political turmoil to Muslim insurgents in the south, but officials say it is unlikely that an worldwide terror group is involved.

Prawut did not say what led police to rule out the woman and two men, asserting only that a theory that the trio were connected to the main suspect “is not really that valid anymore”.

Other speculation points closer to home.

Information for this article was contributed by Grant Peck, Tassanee Vejpongsa and Penny Yi Wang of The Associated Press.