Bangkok bomb linked to East Turkestan Islamic Movement, as Chinese media stops downplaying issue due to sensitivities over Uygurs
State media have - until now - downplayed the bombing due to sensitivities over Uygur issue
A state-run publication has linked the Bangkok blast that killed at least six Chinese last month to the East Turkestan Islamic Movement - ending a period in which mainland media downplayed the incident due to its links with the Uygur minority.
Global Times said on Wednesday the bomb attack might have been plotted by the ETIM as revenge against Thailand's cooperation with China in deporting more than 100 Uygurs in July.
The report follows a period of low-profile coverage about the incident. Journalists from three mainland news organisations said they had been told this month not to follow up developments, due to sensitivities surrounding the Uygurs.
The report, citing unnamed Chinese officials, came after Thai police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri confirmed that the alleged bomber, Yusufu Mieraili, held a genuine Chinese passport. However, the travel document belonging to another suspect, who identified himself as Adem Karadak from Turkey, was false.
The report said Mieraili had left China in 2013, and described the attack as an "organised crime". It said the suspects arrested by Thai authorities were not all mainland passport holders.
Mainland journalists said the incident was sensitive, but it was not clear whether there was a gag order from propaganda officials or if they were self-censoring.