A number of bombs or grenades have exploded in Bangkok early on New Year's Eve, wounding dozens of people in at least two places. At least one person was reported killed.

Early reports said there were at least five explosions in various parts of the capital. Two were reported near the Klong Toey market, and near the Victory Monument.

TV reports said there was a large explosive device in the Saphan Kwai area of Bangkok, where one person was reportedly killed. Unconfirmed reports telephoned to BangkokPost.com said there was a bombing at Seacon Square, the largest mall in Asia, in the east end of Bangkok. A fifth explosion was reported from Sukhumvit Soi 62, a major intersection with the capital's main expressway system.

"There was no warning. It is quite shocking. We've got at least one child very seriously injured in my area and others are injured," said Police Maj-Gen Anand Srisiran, chief of Metropolitan Police District Five.

Witnesses told police in some places that they saw people throwing what looked to be grenades shortly before they explosions.

New Year's Eve parties were just kicking off when the bombs began going off shortly after sundown at 6 p.m.

The coordinated attacks are unprecedented in Bangkok.

However, political feelings have run high for more than a year, and there have been reports of political violence aimed against the military junta which ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Sept 19 - primarily the suspected burning of schools.

In addition, some intelligence sources had suggested in the past two weeks that Islamist extremists leading the southern insurgency might try to spread their attacks to the capital. They have never operated out of the deep South.

The number and extent of casualties were unknown immediately after the explosions. Graphic footage shown on television showed damaged vehicles and blood-stained streets and pavements.