Bangkok, August 17 (RHC)-- A bomb has exploded outside a Hindu shrine in central Bangkok, killing at least 16 people and wounding scores more, police say. Police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri said on Monday that a "significant portion" of the casualties were foreigners.

The explosion in Thailand's capital took place at the Rajprasong intersection, which was the center of many contentious political demonstrations in recent years. The intersection is located in a central Bangkok district popular among tourists for the Erawan Hindu Shrine, located on a main road through Bangkok's commercial hub and is surrounded by three major shopping malls.

Over 80 people are also said to have been injured in the blast. The death toll is likely to increase with many seriously injured and undergoing emergency procedures.