Bangkok bombing: British law student among 20 killed

A LONDON law student was among at least 20 victims killed in a bomb blast at a popular shrine in Bangkok, according to her fellow students.

Workers clean up the area around the statue of Phra Phrom, centre, at the Erawan Shrine the day after an explosion in Bangkok, Thailand. Picture: AP

Vivian Chan, who studied at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), is thought to have been travelling with a friend who was also killed in the bombing which rocked the Thai capital.

The Foreign Office said it could not confirm whether Ms Chan was the British national from Hong Kong whose death had earlier been confirmed by Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond.

The Thai Society at SOAS said in a statement: “We... are deeply saddened to hear the news of Miss Chan ‘Vivian’ Wing-Yan, a Law Student at SOAS, who passed away yesterday after a bomb blast in central Bangkok.

CCTV footage of a possible suspect in the bomb blast. Picture: Getty Images

“We understand that Miss Chan, and her friend, were travelling in Thailand.

“According to sources, she recently posted a picture on an Instagram account of her food blog, @kittealuvfood, appreciating local delicacies.

“We would like to send our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends during this difficult moment.”

Writing on a Facebook tribute page, Ed Wawn posted: “Devastating news. Such a wonderful young women taken away so young. I really enjoyed teaching you Vivian....RIP.”

Sophia Hui said she was in “utter shock” to learn of her friend’s death, adding: “You were such a cheerful person and had one of the greatest smiles that I have seen.

“We, the Huis, are saddened with the loss. I still can’t believe this is real...RIP Vivian. You will always be remembered.”

Friends said Ms Chan was a fan of Hong Kong “Cantopop” music and one of her favourite singers, Joey Yung, posted a tribute on her Facebook page.

Below a picture of the pair together, the pop star wrote: “You have left a deep impression in me. Your wit, loveliness and your smile with dimples on the cheek.

“Thank you for being in my life. Our last conversation you said you would study hard and then we meet again. Never thought life could be that fickle... I hope you rest in peace.”

David Cameron said he was “deeply saddened” by the death of a British national in the bomb attack.

The Prime Minister posted on Twitter: “Deeply saddened to hear a British national was killed in the horrific Bangkok bombing.

“My thoughts are with her family and all those affected.”

Thai authorities are searching for a man caught on security cameras leaving behind a rucksack at the popular attraction, which is in an area well-used by foreign visitors.

More than 100 were injured by the blast.

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said: “Foreign Office officials are in close contact with the Thai authorities and have offered UK assistance in the investigation of this abhorrent act.

“British nationals in Thailand should check the Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice.”

Hong Kong has raised its travel alert to red and advised its citizens to avoid non-essential trips to Bangkok but the British Government has not taken similar action.

Travel advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) cautions people to “monitor news reports, follow the advice of local authorities and take extra care”.

Five of the victims have so far been identified as Thais, four as Chinese - including two from Hong Kong - two from Malaysia and one from Singapore.

No-one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing, which bears none of the hallmarks of the Muslim separatists who have been fighting a long insurgency in the south of the country and who have not tended to target the capital.