Fears Of Grenade Attacks At Bangkok Key Sites

[johncitizen]

The "culinary team" doesn't lie

I see someone messed up a bit there.

EDIT: But then again, you know how Thai's are with food.

Edited March 10, 2010 by johncitizen

[jdinasia]

Hmmm aren't much of the leadership of PTP and the UDD either ex ranking police or ex ranking military? ---- hmmmmmm

[webfact]

UPDATE

Deputy PM Suthep concedes possible bombings in 30-40 Bangkok locations

BANGKOK (TNA) -- Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban on Wednesday conceded that an intelligence report warns of 30-40 small bombings plotted across the Thai capital this weekend, but he vowed the government will not allow anti-government protesters to seize any government office buildings or the country's main airport.

Mr Suthep, in his capacity as overseer of national security, commented ahead of the planned mass protest buy the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) Red Shirts, pledged to bring down the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjaviva in Bangkok this weekend.

Key UDD leaders earlier announced that they are mobilising at least one million of their supporters nationwide from Friday, claiming a hundred thousand pickup trucks to transport their activists to join the group's mass demonstration the capital on Sunday (March 14).

The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the use of the tough Internal Security Act (ISA) from Thursday March 11 for nearly two weeks through March 23 to maintain law and order throughout Bangkok and adjacent Nonthaburi, plus a number of critical districts in six other provinces surrounding the capital.

Regarding the cabinet's appointment of a mini-Cabinet comprised of nine ministers, Mr Suthep explained that these ministers will be on alert and will convene immediately if any incident occurs to evaluate the situation and consider the enforcement of an Emergency Decree.

The deputy premier added that safe houses have been prepared for any minister who requests such protective measures.

Mr Suthep also confirm an intelligence report warning of possible bombings in some 30-40 locations across Bangkok, particularly important government office buildings. He said the government will step up security measures, while urging the public to alert authorities if found anything suspicious.

Deputy Interior Minister Boonjong Wongtrairat also echoed Mr Suthep's remarks, confirming the possible bombings in 30-40 spots in Bangkok.

Mr Boonjong added that the ministry's intelligence report also indicated there may be similar bombings in the north and northeast provinces, while saying that governors nationwide have been instructed to monitor the situation and

prepare tightened security measure, especially at city halls and provincial offices.

The deputy prime minister reiterated that he will not let the protesters block government buildings or Suvarnabhumi Airport. He said all public transport will serve the public as usual.

"If the protesters block (government buildings and the airport), legal action will be taken against them," said Mr Suthep,"but if they seize [government buildings and the airports] as the Yellow Shirts did, security forces will immediately

disperse them. Do not imitate the PAD's action, it was such a bad example."

The anti-Thaksin yellow-clad People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) seized Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in December 2008, to overthrow the then government of prime minister Somchai Wongsawat. The seizure left hundreds

of thousands of travellers stranded at the country's main airports and caused huge losses to the economy.

Mr Suthep said that the government must be more cautious as ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra has incited his supporters countrywide to join the protest in the capital, but his family members have left Thailand.

The deputy premier said all ministers and their families are still in the country, except Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij who will be on duty in Japan during the period.

Mr Suthep asserted that the enforcement of the ISA and an other 18 related laws will not affect the daily life of the people, but will have an impact on those who cause chaos to the country, saying that the security operation will be carried out in accordance with international practices.

He reaffirmed that the government can retain control of the situation and that the army will not stage a coup.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva chaired a meeting of the Internal Security Operations Commands (ISOC) on Wednesday to review security precautions to be applied during the UDD protests.

The meeting was attended by deputy premier Suthep, Defence Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan, Interior Minister Chavarat Charnveerakul, Supreme Commander Gen. Songkitti Jaggabatra, the commanders of the three armed forces, and representatives from the Royal Thai Police.

Mr Suthep himself will chair a meeting of the government committee monitoring the situation this afternoon. (TNA)

-- TNA 2010-03-10

[newsfooter][/newsfooter]

[Sunderland]

I wonder how the government will control the situation if the police themselves don't know how to control much smaller gatherings.

Taking pocket money off motorcylists and motorists is one thing, but they don't seem up for standing in the way when a sea of red moves towards them judging on previous demonstrations.

Looks like the army will be taking more control than they ought to be.

[Sunderland]

Don't shoot the messenger.

Taken from Thai forum and translated into English on another forum that I am not allowed to provide a link to. If you want to search look at the news section of a forum that uses the name of the famous ruins in Cambodia, or imagine you are going 2 a forum in Bangkok.

Anyway, it lists locations of places that someone believes the UDD hardcore factions are going to plant bombs, launch or throw grenades at. Also mentions snipers around skytrain and subway stations, in addition to the 33 listed spots.

Apologies to anyone who feels upset at me posting this or believes it is scare-mongering. As I said, I am just passing on what I have read in another forum. These places may be the same as the 30-40 places the government's intelligence service has mentioned. I really don't know.

1 Supreme Court

2 Criminal Court in Ratchadaphisek ring

3 Bangkok Bank HQ at Silom

4 Bangkok Bank - Nana Branch

5 Kasikorn Thai Bank - Nana Branch

6 Siam Commercial Bank - Ratchayothin HQ and Phetburi HQ

7 Grand Place

8 Siriraj Hospital

9 Major Ratchayothin

10 Big C Rat Boorana - Southern terminal of Chao Phraya express

11 Central World - Main target for looting

12 Central Lad Phrao - Main target for looting

13 Phrannok Market

14 Minburi Market

15 Dao Khanong Market

16 Patthmawikorn Intersection

17 Arun Amarin Intersection

18 Rom Klao intrersection - clowed to Motorway and SUvannabhum

19 Kaset - Nawamin

20 Kaset - Nawamin - Crossing Lad Pla Khao

21 Kaset - Nawamin - Crossing Pradit Manootham road.

22 Nawamin Intesection

23 Sathon Intersection (Narathiwat crossing Siom) - Chong Nonsee

24 Saladaeng Intersection to storm Chulalongkorn Hospital

25 Saphan Kwai Intersection

26 Klong Toei Intersection

27 Ram Khamhaeng road - form Lam Salee to Suwinthawongse

28 Minburi Intersection (Ram Indra Road crossing Suwinthawongse)

29 BMA Office at Giant Swing and Dindaeng

30 Lumphini Park

31 Pathumwan Princess Hotel - MBK

32 Pathumwan Vocation School - MBK

33 Uthenthawai Vocation school & possibly Chulalongkorn U.

Even if these are the places that exist on the list the government has and the UDD did have any intention of sabotage, it is highly unlikely they would be able to successfully storm or launch an attack on more than a few of these places. To successfully attack all 33 places would require an incredibly coherent strategy, a police force in retreat (possible!) and a far greater number of protesters.

Anyway, keep your eyes open and stay safe. Could yet be something or nothing.