New Security Warnings - How Safe Do You Feel?

[Stekmer]

So, there are new security warnings advising caution around crowded BTS stations and department stores etc.

How safe do people feel?

Will you change any patterns of behaviour?

Which spots, if any, will you avoid.

I find it hard to know how to respond. Do I avoid the BTS and walk or take a taxi or bus?

Do I carry on as I normally would and just be more vigilant?

Or do I slip into paranoia and stay home ..... letting the perpetrators of terrorism win the day??

[Galong]

I don't go to crowded places normally, so I'm not overly concerned. I would be concerned if I was in Bangkok. I love the BTS and think it's a wonderful way to get around town. I would really worry about traveling on it, but that doesn't mean that I wouldn't. Perhaps I'd just NOT do it during the rush hours.

One thing I won't do is change radically just because some fanatics want media attention. If we all cower in fear, they win!

[Farma]

It doesn’t affect me much. Unless you lock yourself in your home there’s no way you can avoid potential target areas all the time.

I try to avoid crowded areas. I look for abandoned parcels and don’t stand near rubbish bins or piles of rubbish.

In restaurants, airports or hotel reception areas I try to sit away from the crowds or near the back looking at the entrance and note an alternative route out of the place if needed.

There are plenty of other ways to reduce your risk, just be more aware of your surroundings and carry on as normal.

[Prudent_rabbit]

......... just be more aware of your surroundings and carry on as normal.

This is the best advice, also, know what to do if you do see a suspicious object

[Thaising]

......... just be more aware of your surroundings and carry on as normal.

This is the best advice, also, know what to do if you do see a suspicious object

Call 191 keep some distant away from the object.

[alexth]

As long as there is not a war going on...I'm not worried. I am not giving the satisfaction to these idiots to panic and live in fear.

Edited February 22, 2007 by alexth

[sutnyod]

Aehm, I feel very unsafe and am a big worrier. Well..... at least until I pass the bag control at the entrance to the subway and in the major department stores. THEN I reeeeeaaallly do feel safe!

[Casanundra]

As a Brit growing up and living in the UK at the height of the bombings with the IRA I can say that this is nothing and it's life as normal.

If you are really worried, Here is a suggestion for you:

Put a helmet on, get those biggles glasses out, wear arm and knee pads, put steel boots on your feet and stick a rather large book down your trousers and run everywhere.

That way you can be sure no-one will come near you let alone the bombers and as such you will be quite safe.

Edited February 22, 2007 by Casanundra

[bunple]

Lived in London thru the IRA bombings and now the Muslim bombings, I'm more worried about landing at Swamp-a-poom.

[farangene]

Aehm, I feel very unsafe and am a big worrier. Well..... at least until I pass the bag control at the entrance to the subway and in the major department stores. THEN I reeeeeaaallly do feel safe!

Wonder why the BTS doesn't have a bag control at its entrances????

[britmaveric]

Go about and live your life, these nutters are counting on you not to, so no worries here.

[Nignoy]

Lived in London thru the IRA bombings and now the Muslim bombings, I'm more worried about landing at Swamp-a-poom.

You survived the chaos that is Heathrow mate, landing at the Swamp is a piece of cake Nignoy

[Thaising]

Aehm, I feel very unsafe and am a big worrier. Well..... at least until I pass the bag control at the entrance to the subway and in the major department stores. THEN I reeeeeaaallly do feel safe!

Wonder why the BTS doesn't have a bag control at its entrances????

Subway plea on bag checks

Operators of the subway have asked for help and understanding from the public - to allow them to examine purses, parcels and other carry-on belongings at its stations to try to prevent bombs from being taken onto trains.

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand and Bangkok Metro Plc issued their request in a joint statement yesterday.

The measure follows international security practices to ensure all passengers enjoy maximum safety protection aboard the capital's electric trains.

Commuters have also been asked not to seal packages tightly so security staff can open them easily.

Both organisations said they reserved the right to refuse service to uncooperative passengers.

They also suspended staircase and elevator services to ensure that all users pass through checkpoints at the foot of escalators.

To prepare for possible attacks by militants, the Transport Ministry recently instructed state agencies responsible for public transport nationwide to step up security measures at all stations.

The Nation

Edited February 23, 2007 by Thaising

[Old Man River]

It concerns me, but more for my wife and kid. Yes, you have to live your life, but there is a constant reminder that risks have increased and that is a concern. Yesterday at Seacon I noticed no garbage bins, except right near security desks that I didn't notice last month. Chinese new year celebrations, a main stay in China town, were canceled this year. Security desks are popping up at entrances to department stores with bags being checked. Metal detectors at most hotels. It is getting like Manila.

[Casanundra]

I received this in my inbox about half hour ago from the British Embassy and thought I would share:

"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Reports indicate possible bombing attacks at crowded places such as department stores, and sky-train and subway stations in Bangkok on Friday 23 February 2007."

Taking my own advice, I am now sat here in work wearing a helmet, some knee pads and a rather big pair of steel boots. I have also put a rather large legal book down the back of my shorts as well and will run everywhere as fast as I can on the way home tonight.

So far no-one has come near me and I feel safe that some militant on the way to martyrdom will steer clear too and so I feel quite safe :-)

[jasreeve17]

I was about to jump on the BTS down to Saim Sq and watch a movie at Paragon with the missus.

After reading Casanundra's last email, I've changed my mind. I think I'll walk up to the quiet DVD shop, and pick up a film...

[alexth]

Lived in London thru the IRA bombings and now the Muslim bombings, I'm more worried about landing at Swamp-a-poom.

Here we go again with the airport...Haven't you people found something else to complain about already?

[mmushr00m]

I received this in my inbox about half hour ago from the British Embassy and thought I would share:

"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Reports indicate possible bombing attacks at crowded places such as department stores, and sky-train and subway stations in Bangkok on Friday 23 February 2007."

Taking my own advice, I am now sat here in work wearing a helmet, some knee pads and a rather big pair of steel boots. I have also put a rather large legal book down the back of my shorts as well and will run everywhere as fast as I can on the way home tonight.

So far no-one has come near me and I feel safe that some militant on the way to martyrdom will steer clear too and so I feel quite safe :-)

How come I didnt get any warnings from the Canadian Embassy?

oh right, I forgot, we Canadians dont think the big bad baddies are out to get us. security??/ whats that strange word?

[Nignoy]

I received this in my inbox about half hour ago from the British Embassy and thought I would share:

"We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Reports indicate possible bombing attacks at crowded places such as department stores, and sky-train and subway stations in Bangkok on Friday 23 February 2007."

Taking my own advice, I am now sat here in work wearing a helmet, some knee pads and a rather big pair of steel boots. I have also put a rather large legal book down the back of my shorts as well and will run everywhere as fast as I can on the way home tonight.

So far no-one has come near me and I feel safe that some militant on the way to martyrdom will steer clear too and so I feel quite safe :-)

How come I didnt get any warnings from the Canadian Embassy?

oh right, I forgot, we Canadians dont think the big bad baddies are out to get us. security??/ whats that strange word?

Dont think the big bad baddies will ever bother canada , nothing there to bother a nice place to hibernate in Nignoy

[Berty]

After reading this I'm going to hide in the cupboard under the stairs, someone give me a shout when it's all over. BYEEE.