Bombs At Big C, Lotus Superstore

[Jai Dee]

Police gather evidence to find bombers behind Hat Yai attacks

Police sketches of at least one Hat Yai bombing suspect were released in this key southern commercial centre Monday morning, as the authorities are stepping up their investigation of Sunday night's coordinated bombings here.

Closed-circuit TV footage in several locations provided images of suspected bombers at seven locations which rocked the city at about 9 pm, wounding 13 persons and causing minor property damage.

Region 9 provincial police commissioner Pol. Lt-Gen. Jetthanakarn Napheethapat convened a meeting Monday morning on Sunday night's bombings.

Police investigators have reviewed footage from closed circuit television cameras and gathered

other evidence to track the bombers.

Gen. Jetthanakarn said the attackers wanted to create chaos rather than kill people, noting that the types of bombs are different from explosives commonly used by insurgents in the three southern border provinces.

Police cordoned off the bombing sites in Songkhla province's prime commercial district to gather evidence and shrapnel, scattered around the area.

Initial investigation showed that all the bombs were triggered by timers.

The situation had returned to normal on Monday morning, but Hat Yai traffic is congested because police blocked some areas for investigation, and curiosity seekers travelled to see the bombing sites.

Hat Yai-Songkhla Hotel Association president Somchart Pimthanapoonporn said he believed the attackers aimed at creating chaos rather than extensive damage, as it occurred on Sunday night when most Malaysian tourists had already left town.

Tourists who remained did not panic, Mr. Somchart said, because Hat Yai was twice earlier hit by bombs.

The incidents might affect tourism in the long term and agencies concerned must boost understanding among tourists, he added.

Thirteen people were wounded in coordinated bombs in seven locations. Two of all injured -- Suchart Saetang and Niwat Chuchart -- are in serious condition. Three others remain in hospital while eight were released.

The bombs exploded at about 9 pm at seven locations including a drug store, two restaurants, in front of Big C superstore and the Lotus superstore, outside the Garden Home Hotel, and the JB Hotel.

Source: TNA - 28 May 2007

[ColPyat]

Do these condemnations erase some of your own guilt for your not being involved?

I have been "involved" in several such Islamic insurgencies, and some of them financed with US money. That was before the US decided to fight their erstwhile allies, and carpet bombed countries the US deemed sympathetic to the "terrorists" cause. Even though, ironic again - those leaderships were also once installed and supported by the US.

But yes, lets leave the US out of southern Thailand and the discussion here, as the US truly has no direct involvement in the history of this particular conflict other than contributing through its actions to the disgruntlement of even moderate Muslims. And yes, i am "involved" there as well - i have been there several times, and will be there soon again.

And please - let the US not get involved there in the future as well. If foreign involvement - then i would welcome very much the Scandinavian countries who have helped tremendously and were in fact instrumental in bringing peace to Aceh through subtle diplomacy (and yes, i have been there, "involved").

Because that is what is needed - the will to solve such conflicts with diplomacy, compromises, and not with further escalation.

[A_Traveller]

Do these condemnations erase some of your own guilt for your not being involved?

I have been "involved" in several such Islamic insurgencies, and some of them financed with US money. That was before the US decided to fight their erstwhile allies, and carpet bombed countries the US deemed sympathetic to the "terrorists" cause. Even though, ironic again - those leaderships were also once installed and supported by the US.

But yes, lets leave the US out of southern Thailand and the discussion here, as the US truly has no direct involvement in the history of this particular conflict other than contributing through its actions to the disgruntlement of even moderate Muslims. And yes, i am "involved" there as well - i have been there several times, and will be there soon again.

And please - let the US not get involved there in the future as well. If foreign involvement - then i would welcome very much the Scandinavian countries who have helped tremendously and were in fact instrumental in bringing peace to Aceh through subtle diplomacy (and yes, i have been there, "involved").

Because that is what is needed - the will to solve such conflicts with diplomacy, compromises, and not with further escalation.

Are you now claiming to be a combatant?

Regards

[ColPyat]

Are you now claiming to be a combatant?

Regards

How many times do i have to bear with the same impertinent personal questions from you - a poster i usually respect for his well thought through and knowledgeable posts?

No, i am not a combatant. Never claimed so. There are many forms of "involvement".

But please, no further personal questions - i divulge as much as i choose, and not you.

[A_Traveller]

Are you now claiming to be a combatant?

Regards

How many times do i have to bear with the same impertinent personal questions from you - a poster i usually respect for his well thought through and knowledgeable posts?

No, i am not a combatant. Never claimed so. There are many forms of "involvement".

But please, no further personal questions - i divulge as much as i choose, and not you.

Thank you for your response, the contents of which I note.

However, I'm sure you understand that since you often place yourself within events in your posts within these fora it is not unreasonable, let alone impertinent, to ask for such a clarification.

Regards

/edit add within...//

Edited May 28, 2007 by A_Traveller

[ColPyat]

However, I'm sure you understand that since you often place yourself within events in your posts within these fora it is not unreasonable, let alone impertinent, to ask for such a clarification.

Regards

/edit add within...//

Fair enough.

But please, no more personal questions. If you have one, do that via PM, please.

[Jai Dee]

Hat Yai bomber profile determined from police sketchwork

The Ninth Regional Police Commander report that authorities have been able to sketch the profile of suspects in the Hat Yai mass bombing.

Ninth Regional Police Commander Pol Lt Gen Chetanakorn Napeethapat (เจตนากร นภีตะภัฏ) attended a meeting of investigative officers handling the case of the multiple bombing incident in Hat Yai district of Songkhla province last night (May 27) at the Hat Yai regional police precinct. Pol Lt Gen Chetanakorn reports that he has appointed a working committee to collect essential suspects and evidence from the crime scene.

The Ninth Regional Police Commander said that authorities have been able to determine two possible suspect profiles from police sketching of surveillance camera images, though officials are not yet certain of the total number of suspects involved in the bombing incident.

Meanwhile Army Spokesperson Col Akara Tiparote (อัคร ทิพยโรจน์) reports that the Hat Yai bombers are seeking publicity in order to destroy public trust in the state and disrupt the economy of the southern border provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 May 2007

[meibanfa]

Do these condemnations erase some of your own guilt for your not being involved?

I have been "involved" in several such Islamic insurgencies, and some of them financed with US money. That was before the US decided to fight their erstwhile allies, and carpet bombed countries the US deemed sympathetic to the "terrorists" cause. Even though, ironic again - those leaderships were also once installed and supported by the US.

But yes, lets leave the US out of southern Thailand and the discussion here, as the US truly has no direct involvement in the history of this particular conflict other than contributing through its actions to the disgruntlement of even moderate Muslims. And yes, i am "involved" there as well - i have been there several times, and will be there soon again.

And please - let the US not get involved there in the future as well. If foreign involvement - then i would welcome very much the Scandinavian countries who have helped tremendously and were in fact instrumental in bringing peace to Aceh through subtle diplomacy (and yes, i have been there, "involved").

Because that is what is needed - the will to solve such conflicts with diplomacy, compromises, and not with further escalation.

Not only is your post is full of omissions and distrotions, but you are choosing to ignore Jai Dee's directive to stop discussing America and Iraq on this thread.

[Sunderland]

I didn't do it, guv.

[Johpa]

By the way, mumbu, Israeli's are known to know best how to deal with terrorists, yet they can't stop the attacks or "curbed them drastically."

Balderdash! I lived in Israel during the early 1970s. I was able to travel freely and safely through the West Bank, sleep in Arab owned and operated hotels in East Jerusalem and within the Old City, was able to share meals and conversation with Palestinian students at places like the Petra Cafe inside the Jaffa Gate, and share meals with Palestinian families during holidays such as Id El Fitr. Little of this is possible now and the Israelis have taken a situation that once had possibilties and turned it into a no-solution scenario where mutual hatred is now the dominant theme. The Thai government should indeed study the Israeli response and come up with alternatives to avoid such policy failures.

[sriracha john]

Private sector appeal to government for increased security

The private sector proposes that the government increase security for investors in order to boost foreign investment.

The Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries Mr. Santi Wilassakdanon admitted that the private sector in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Hat Yai district of Songkhla province are concerned over unrest incidents and require government security intervention to safeguard their property and lives.

Mr. Santi said that special business privileges would also encourage investment in the three southern border provinces.

The FTI Chairman cautioned that if no security is provided to businesses, investment would decrease, and investors may even relocated their operations elsewhere. Mr. Santi also expressed his concern over the effect of recent multiple bombings on the Thai tourism industry.

- ThaiNews

[mumbu]

13 injured, one is in serious condition according to a Thai press report.

By the way, mumbu, Israeli's are known to know best how to deal with terrorists, yet they can't stop the attacks or "curbed them drastically."

It is very well known what measures should be taken (I talked about this many times on this forum and do not want to repeat myself).

If you reckon that you know how to handle this problem properly (unlike the Thai gov't.), why aren't you in Iraq right now helping out your country? I think they need a bit of help over there.

Of course your post just a provocation. But I will respond to it.

ThaiGoon, If you are Thai student, as you claim,

You need to learn to live with facts. I, of course, realize that you are quite upset how things develop in Thailand. Surely, many hoped for much better outcome of the coup. My advise to you: try to face a reality. Every new day will, unfortunately bring more bad news for Thailand. You may have heard that many Thai intellectuals already change their views: like those University professors who choose green

and suggested return to 1997 constitution and elections in 6 monthes.

Regarding your provocation with Israel: well, Israel is a tiny state surrounded by enemies. They are quite successful in fighting terrorism:

in fact, after mounting the wall the number of suicide bombings have been reduced drastically. Their major problem is rocket attacks coming from Gaza and occasionaly from Lebanon.

It is quite obvious that the situation in South of Thailand is quite different. The analogy with Checnya (if you think about it) is much better. Regarding Iraq, how do I know that I am not already there?

To be honest with you, I found your post exteremely unfriendly.

I will tell you more I pretty much doubt that you are Thai.

From now on I am going to ignore your dirty provocations.

[sbk]

Lets get back on topic here please and keep it from getting personal.

[sbk]

Hat Yai bombings aimed at causing chaos, says CNS chief

BANGKOK, May 28 (TNA) – Thailand's Council for National Security (CNS) chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin on Monday indicated the Sunday night’s coordinated bombings in the Hat Yai district of the southern province of Songkla were meant to cause disturbances and bring about discomfort and worry among the public, but it would not affect the local economy.

Speaking of the explosions in this busy business and tourist town late last night, he said there were seven coordinated bombings at different places, wounding 13 people. Two of victims are seriously injured and being treated in hospital.

He said military personnel of the Internal Security Operations Command in the province had been deployed to help police oversee the situation.

Asked whether there would be an adjustment in the security plan, Gen. Sonthi, who is also army commander-in-chief, said many security personnel had been already stationed in the district, implying there were sufficiant numbers of forces on hand.

Asked if the latest bomb explosions would affect the local economy since the incidents all took place in the economic zone of the town, he said he did not think it would because the explosions were not major ones.

However, Gen. Sonthi said he would withhold judgement until he had received reports of the official investigation for a real intention behind the bombings.

“In my view, it is an incident aimed at disturbing the townpeople because explosive devices were found to be as small as milk cartons," he said. "We still don’t know whether the explosions are insurgent acts. We need to wait for the (results of the) investigation.” (TNA) – E005

Source: MCOT TNA English news

[sbk]

Two still critical from blasts:

Two still critical from Hat Yai blasts

Four victims of the bombs in Hat Yai on Sunday night had been allowed to go home, while nine others remained in hospital, Public Health Minister Mongkol na Songkhla said Monday.

Two of the injured were in a critฌical condition: an elderly man still in a coma, and a 20yearold male with severely injuries to internal organs.

The rest can be found at the Nation website: http://nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/28/hea...es_30035417.php

[click2delete]

"Nothing to worry. Officials are in control now. They are analysing information."

-- The Nation 2007-05-27

Hmm - I feel so much better.

NOT.

[Jai Dee]

National police chief admits there has been intelligence indicating eminent incident in Hat Yai

The acting Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Gen. Seripisuth Temiyavej, admits that for more than a month, there has been intelligence pointing to an eminent incident of the type which occurred last night in Hat Yai.

Pol. Gen. Seripisuth spoke of last night's multiple-point bombings in Hat Yai district of Songkhla and said that he has told the Provincial Police Commissioner and the Songkhla Police Commander to rapidly explain to the public that the incident would not spread. He explained that this can be seen from the composition of the bombs, which were without high destructive potential. As for the evidence and witnesses, the national police chief said that it will be determined if were related with incidents in the 3 southern border provinces and those that occurred earlier in Bangkok. He also admitted that he had received intelligence reports of an incident of such nature prior to the occurring by more than a month.

Pol. Gen. Seripisuth also spoke of preparations for dealing with demonstrators on May 30, saying that he will inspect the site of the Constitutional Court by himself tomorrow.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 May 2007

[Mid]

J.H.C ..............................

The acting Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, Pol. Gen. Seripisuth Temiyavej, admits that for more than a month, there has been intelligence pointing to an eminent incident of the type which occurred last night in Hat Yai.

Pol. Gen. Seripisuth spoke of last night's multiple-point bombings in Hat Yai district of Songkhla and said that he has told the Provincial Police Commissioner and the Songkhla Police Commander to rapidly explain to the public that the incident would not spread.

please obtain professional public relations advice .

spelling

Edited May 29, 2007 by Mid