A bomb has exploded near the Thai army headquarters a day before General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, the army chief and leader of last year's coup, steps down.
Two members of the security forces were wounded when the device went off in the capital, Bangkok, as officers were trying to defuse it, officials said on Sunday.
Police Colonel Saranyu Prathumraj said police had earlier been alerted to a suspicious package in a phone booth near the army compound.
The motive remained unclear and no one has claimed responsibility.
Sonthi, leader of the coup that removed Thaksin Shinawatra as prime minister in September last year, is to be replaced by General Anupong Paochinda.
Thaksin was overthrown after mounting protests over alleged corruption and abuse of power.
But one year later Thailand is still gripped by political instability.
The military government has promised to restore democracy and has set elections for later this year.
But many Thais are unconvinced that polls will be free and fair or bring an end to the uncertainty that has badly dented the country's economy.