Five victims being treated at Rajvithi Hospital, including the most severe case, were doing well, Public Health Minister Dr Mongkol na Songkhla said.

Samruey Sridao, who was seriously wounded by the bomb near Victory Monument, has been taken off artificial respiration, the minister said.

All five treated at Rajvithi have also been given psychological counselling to help them recover from the trauma.

All would need to be checked and receive treatment for any hearing impairment that could have been caused by the noise of the bombs, Rajvithi director Dr Jesada Chokdumrongsuk said.

Twelve other victims, including two foreigners, being treated at five different hospitals in Bangkok were also recovering well, Mongkol said.

Some 37 people were injured and three killed by bombs at eight sites around the capital on New Year's Eve.

National Police Chief, General Kowit Wattana, visited the bomb victims at Rajvithi, Chulalongkorn and Police General hospitals yesterday morning.

He gave Bt10,000 financial assistance to each of the injured.

The Justice Ministry also ordered the Rights and Liberties Protection Department yesterday to distribute compensation to the bomb victims.

Deputy permanent secretary Tongthong Chandransu said the families of those who died would each get Bt100,000, while victims with minor injuries would get Bt10,000 each. Those who needed or still need treatment in hospital would get Bt20,000 each, while those suffering a disability would each get Bt30,000.

The compensation would be paid from today.

Justice permanent secretary Charan Phakdithanakul urged people to be watchful and alert the authorities if they noticed anything suspicious.

"Tip-offs can prevent ill-intentioned people from creating disturbances," he said.

The Justice Ministry's phone number, 02 502-6500, was open round-the-clock for anyone who wanted to report information on suspicious activities.

Arthit Khwankhom

The Nation