Bangkok Blast Kills 1, Injures 10 In First Attack Since May Turmoil

[webfact]

BIG C BLAST

Blast kills 1, injures 10 in first attack since May turmoil

By The Nation

An unidentified device yesterday evening exploded in front of the Big C Rajdamri Supercentre, killing one person and wounding at least ten others waiting at the bus stop near the site of the red-shirt rally two months ago.

An unidentified device yesterday evening exploded in front of the Big C Rajdamri Supercentre, killing one person and wounding at least 10 others waiting at the bus stop near the site of the red-shirt rally two months ago.

The blast at about 5.40pm was the first violent occurrence in the heart of Bangkok since the anti-government demonstration ended on May 19 with 90 people killed.

The 11 victims were taken to Police General Hospital, Chulalongkorn Hospital and Hua Chiew Hospital. Only two were admitted and the rest returned home.

Tawatchai Thongmak, 51, underwent emergency treat-ment at Police General Hospital for severe shrapnel wounds to his chest and abdomen but could not be saved.

Five other victims were identified as Sompat Tangsiripanitch, 46, Somchai Iampracha, 37, Chanu, 24, Puan Pornnithet, 37, Veerasak Tae, 40, a bus driver.

The explosion at the shop-ping area threw bystanders into a panic.

Some tried to get closer to observe the scene. Police ordered people to move away from the site out of concern for their safety.

Police blocked traffic in front of the discount store to allow forensic officials to collect evidence. They said the bomb was contained in a garbage bag.

Yuri Kongsoong-nern, 48, a fare collector on a No 2 bus, said she saw fumes coming from the garbage bag after her bus stopped at the store.

"I thought that it was smoke from a cigarette," she said.

A few minutes later, there was a loud sound like a firecracker going off followed by a big bang, she added.

Uraiwan Wiangsong, 32, a street vendor, said the loud discharge happened while she was selling coffee near the bus stop.

Special Branch chief Pol Lt-General Treetos Ronnaritchai said he believes the explosion might have been caused by a time bomb. Soldiers also brought in an armoured Humvee to help police at the site.

Acting government spokesman Panitan Wattayagorn said that Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva already knew about the Big C explosion and had asked officials to evaluate the situation.

However Abhisit did not mention about cutting short his break on Samet Island to return to Bangkok.

However, Panitan said the government needed to continue the state of emergency as the explosion at Big C indicated the political situation had still not stabilised.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

[Goshawk]

why close the previous only 8 pages long..

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one

My money is on that first group too for possibly that precise reason..... once you realise what else was going on just around the corner on Sunday :

"Red shirts plan to test the government's emergency decree in Bangkok again late today when hundreds are expected to gather at Lumpini Park to do "protest aerobic dance exercises".

Key red-shirt member Sombat Boon-ngam-anong - who made headlines by leading a group tying red ribbons at the Rajprasong intersection twice after he was released from two weeks of detention under the emergency decree - told The Nation yesterday he was "con?fused" as to how doing aerobic dances with red-shirt music could violate the decree, which forbids political gatherings of more than five persons.

"I'm still baffled how we can break the law," said Sombat, who added that he and his group was prepared to face possible arrest.

He expected up to 1,000 red shirts to take part in the Lumpini event.

"A lot of people will definitely come to take part," he said, of the event, which he said was a symbolic protest. He said the government lost political legitimacy after its bloody handling of red-shirt protesters in April and May, which led to 90 deaths and more than 1,800 injured on both sides.

The red shirts are due to gather around the Clock Tower inside the park at 5pm. The park is traditionally popular for aerobic dances, though today's event will probably be the first aerobics protest"

quote is the 'info' to this vid

Would seem highly unlikely that they would then go and explode a device just around the corner at 5:40pm....??

No. Its clear, the Reds didn't do this...

[asia_pilot]

Now it's time for the military gouvernment to implement to SOE permanently into the costitution.

[FarangBuddha]

Here we go again...

[jayjay0]

why close the previous only 8 pages long..

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one

My money is on that first group too for possibly that precise reason..... once you realise what else was going on just around the corner on Sunday :

"Red shirts plan to test the government's emergency decree in Bangkok again late today when hundreds are expected to gather at Lumpini Park to do "protest aerobic dance exercises".

Key red-shirt member Sombat Boon-ngam-anong - who made headlines by leading a group tying red ribbons at the Rajprasong intersection twice after he was released from two weeks of detention under the emergency decree - told The Nation yesterday he was "con?fused" as to how doing aerobic dances with red-shirt music could violate the decree, which forbids political gatherings of more than five persons.

"I'm still baffled how we can break the law," said Sombat, who added that he and his group was prepared to face possible arrest.

He expected up to 1,000 red shirts to take part in the Lumpini event.

"A lot of people will definitely come to take part," he said, of the event, which he said was a symbolic protest. He said the government lost political legitimacy after its bloody handling of red-shirt protesters in April and May, which led to 90 deaths and more than 1,800 injured on both sides.

The red shirts are due to gather around the Clock Tower inside the park at 5pm. The park is traditionally popular for aerobic dances, though today's event will probably be the first aerobics protest"

quote is the 'info' to this vid

Would seem highly unlikely that they would then go and explode a device just around the corner at 5:40pm....??

No. Its clear, the Reds didn't do this...

AND IF I DON'T BELIEVE YOU I CAN JUST ASK ANY RED SHIRT.

Show me one red shirt that wont admit the government did it.

You people have sunk to a new low. All you have to do is look at the middle east to see your tactics won't work. What the he--l are you all brain dead or just plain rotten to the core. As in all your other atrocities not one word of regret or concern for your victims.

[sokal]

they seem to know how to make bombs, not like the muslim in time sqaure new York.

[jayjay0]

PingManDan, on 2010-07-26 04:51, said:

tonywebster, on 2010-07-25 20:12, said:

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one.

OH ya lets blame it all on the Reds, my guess it was the government boys themselves to keep making them looking good, and to have them win the election in BKK, which they did.

Read my post properly then engage brain, the government is clearly my first option.

Jeez Tony he is a red shirt. You should know your statement was to complicated for a red shirt. keep it simple Do not leave a red shirt any room for misinterpreting what you say he will.

can you show me one red shirt who wont admit the government did it. You are a good little boy you do exactly as your leaders tell you to do they are very proud of you.

[jayjay0]

This is just my opinion and it might offend people but I believe it to be true

The government has been far to nice to the red shirts. They have been more concerned about looking good than they have in punishing the criminals. The red shirts should have been crushed. As is they were merely coddled told it was not there fault and given free rides home.

Time to think of Thailand and not what is nice for the red shirts. Give them the same consideration they gave Bangkok. If the situation was reversed they would not handle you in such a nice way.

[Insight]

why close the previous only 8 pages long..

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one

My money is on that first group too for possibly that precise reason..... once you realise what else was going on just around the corner on Sunday :

"Red shirts plan to test the government's emergency decree in Bangkok again late today when hundreds are expected to gather at Lumpini Park to do "protest aerobic dance exercises".

Key red-shirt member Sombat Boon-ngam-anong - who made headlines by leading a group tying red ribbons at the Rajprasong intersection twice after he was released from two weeks of detention under the emergency decree - told The Nation yesterday he was "con?fused" as to how doing aerobic dances with red-shirt music could violate the decree, which forbids political gatherings of more than five persons.

"I'm still baffled how we can break the law," said Sombat, who added that he and his group was prepared to face possible arrest.

He expected up to 1,000 red shirts to take part in the Lumpini event.

"A lot of people will definitely come to take part," he said, of the event, which he said was a symbolic protest. He said the government lost political legitimacy after its bloody handling of red-shirt protesters in April and May, which led to 90 deaths and more than 1,800 injured on both sides.

The red shirts are due to gather around the Clock Tower inside the park at 5pm. The park is traditionally popular for aerobic dances, though today's event will probably be the first aerobics protest"

quote is the 'info' to this vid

Would seem highly unlikely that they would then go and explode a device just around the corner at 5:40pm....??

No. Its clear, the Reds didn't do this...

AND IF I DON'T BELIEVE YOU I CAN JUST ASK ANY RED SHIRT.

Show me one red shirt that wont admit the government did it.

You people have sunk to a new low. All you have to do is look at the middle east to see your tactics won't work. What the he--l are you all brain dead or just plain rotten to the core. As in all your other atrocities not one word of regret or concern for your victims.

Can anybody link to the BBC News that interviews an unidentified group of red shirts discussing learning how to make explosives for future use? Looks like now we're starting to see the results of their efforts.

/edit - let's also not forget that the past two post-May 19th red shirt gatherings have been at Ratchaprasong. Why the sudden change?

Edited July 26, 2010 by Insight

[rubl]

This is just my opinion and it might offend people but I believe it to be true

The government has been far to nice to the red shirts. They have been more concerned about looking good than they have in punishing the criminals. The red shirts should have been crushed. As is they were merely coddled told it was not there fault and given free rides home.

Time to think of Thailand and not what is nice for the red shirts. Give them the same consideration they gave Bangkok. If the situation was reversed they would not handle you in such a nice way.

The problem with the label 'red shirts' is that there are many legitimate pro-democracy supporters who happen to be UDD member, or have a red shirt. To separate those from the minority who are militant is the main problem the government faces. Keep in mind that the lower classes (no offense meant by this label) have very valid grieves which need to be addressed in a constructive manner. That means education, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, participation in a democratic process. And start to forget about hand-outs.

[rubl]

why close the previous only 8 pages long..

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one

My money is on that first group too for possibly that precise reason..... once you realise what else was going on just around the corner on Sunday :

"Red shirts plan to test the government's emergency decree in Bangkok again late today when hundreds are expected to gather at Lumpini Park to do "protest aerobic dance exercises".

Key red-shirt member Sombat Boon-ngam-anong - who made headlines by leading a group tying red ribbons at the Rajprasong intersection twice after he was released from two weeks of detention under the emergency decree - told The Nation yesterday he was "con?fused" as to how doing aerobic dances with red-shirt music could violate the decree, which forbids political gatherings of more than five persons.

"I'm still baffled how we can break the law," said Sombat, who added that he and his group was prepared to face possible arrest.

He expected up to 1,000 red shirts to take part in the Lumpini event.

"A lot of people will definitely come to take part," he said, of the event, which he said was a symbolic protest. He said the government lost political legitimacy after its bloody handling of red-shirt protesters in April and May, which led to 90 deaths and more than 1,800 injured on both sides.

The red shirts are due to gather around the Clock Tower inside the park at 5pm. The park is traditionally popular for aerobic dances, though today's event will probably be the first aerobics protest"

quote is the 'info' to this vid

<link to youtube file>

Would seem highly unlikely that they would then go and explode a device just around the corner at 5:40pm....??

No. Its clear, the Reds didn't do this...

With similar logic you may say that the bomb was planted by reds in an area they knew they wouldn't be in that very same time.

[jayjay0]

This is just my opinion and it might offend people but I believe it to be true

The government has been far to nice to the red shirts. They have been more concerned about looking good than they have in punishing the criminals. The red shirts should have been crushed. As is they were merely coddled told it was not there fault and given free rides home.

Time to think of Thailand and not what is nice for the red shirts. Give them the same consideration they gave Bangkok. If the situation was reversed they would not handle you in such a nice way.

The problem with the label 'red shirts' is that there are many legitimate pro-democracy supporters who happen to be UDD member, or have a red shirt. To separate those from the minority who are militant is the main problem the government faces. Keep in mind that the lower classes (no offense meant by this label) have very valid grieves which need to be addressed in a constructive manner. That means education, self-sufficiency, self-reliance, participation in a democratic process. And start to forget about hand-outs.

Yes there is some truth in what you say. How ever I believe that most of those people have drifted away from the red shirts. There was a special on Air Asia about a week ago. All though it had red shirt leanings it showed a lot of citizens who are for democracy and condemned what the red shirts were doing. It was a real shock to me the size and determination of them. The English media well peaceful demonstrators don't sell news papers.

My question is if the red shirts want democracy and condemn the current system the same one used in Canada and Great Britain why don't they send letters and telephone calls to there ministers. By doing that there ministers will get the message and do every thing in there power to deliver what ever it is they are being asked to deliver. If the red shirts had the people they say they do and they all did this several times there ministers would get the message far better than invading hospitals sends it.

We some times forget that the first and primary job of a elected official is to get him self reelected and he will go to any length to do that. That is not a slam against Thailand that is the truth in most countries. Just a sad state of affairs.

Edited July 26, 2010 by jayjay0

[zzaa09]

Now it's time for the military gouvernment to implement to SOE permanently into the costitution.

I believe it is.....every other year that they rewrite the constitution.

[webfact]

Thaksin urges supporters not to use violence

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Monday posted a message on his Twitter page, urging his supporters not to use violence in their political fight.

The call was made a day after a blast in the heart of Bangkok killed a person and injured 10 others.

In the message, Thaksin thanked his supporters for their birthday wish for him.

"If you love me and have good intention towards me, please be patient to on-going injustice and cruelty. Please do not vent out your frustration with violence. I don't agree with the use of violence," Thaksin said.

He also thanked his Twitter followers. He said the number of his Twitter followers rose to 116,814 after he opened his page for a year.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

[webfact]

Erawan Emergency Centre: 1 person killed, 10 wounded in Big C bombing; 2 remain hospitalised, 8 return home /via @MCOTEnglishnews

[hammered]

As any politcal analyst knows, but depending on their poltical persuasion may not admit, this bomb distracted attention from a disastrous electoral defeat on condirtions that were meant to favour the losing party ie sub 50% turnout.

Tjhere is absolutely no way anyone beyond a propagandist for the red side would believe this bomb was work of the government who would love to sit back and rub PTP and red shirts noses in their election result. Real Politik 101

[animatic]

If the great masses of the Red Shirts and PTP and their leadership do NOT

distance themselves from the violent factions by words and deeds,

then they can easily be considered as supporting the methods used by these violent factions.

It is not the government that must winkle out the violent elements as much as PTP

and UDD must do that if they ever expect to run the country, otherwise they are tied in

directly to the violence even if their hands are not actually dripping blood.

Thaksin of course uses one hand to show the audience the distraction,

while the other hides the rabbit, and crushes the dove in the mechanical hat.

Edited July 26, 2010 by animatic

[animatic]

As any politcal analyst knows, but depending on their poltical persuasion may not admit, this bomb distracted attention from a disastrous electoral defeat on condirtions that were meant to favour the losing party ie sub 50% turnout.

Tjhere is absolutely no way anyone beyond a propagandist for the red side would believe this bomb was work of the government who would love to sit back and rub PTP and red shirts noses in their election result. Real Politik 101

Spot on as usual.

Distraction as the magician prevents you from seeing what he wants hidden,

and then presents you with a further distraction to hide him using the big trick.

[mazeltov]

...

let's also not forget that the past two post-May 19th red shirt gatherings have been at Ratchaprasong. Why the sudden change?

Have you any additional information about the post-may reds shirt gatherings at Ratchaprasong? How many people showed up? When did it exactly happen?

If they now had an aerobic event, it makes sense to do that in Lumpini Park or not?

[inthepink]

why close the previous only 8 pages long..

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one

My money is on that first group too for possibly that precise reason..... once you realise what else was going on just around the corner on Sunday :

"Red shirts plan to test the government's emergency decree in Bangkok again late today when hundreds are expected to gather at Lumpini Park to do "protest aerobic dance exercises".

Key red-shirt member Sombat Boon-ngam-anong - who made headlines by leading a group tying red ribbons at the Rajprasong intersection twice after he was released from two weeks of detention under the emergency decree - told The Nation yesterday he was "con?fused" as to how doing aerobic dances with red-shirt music could violate the decree, which forbids political gatherings of more than five persons.

"I'm still baffled how we can break the law," said Sombat, who added that he and his group was prepared to face possible arrest.

He expected up to 1,000 red shirts to take part in the Lumpini event.

"A lot of people will definitely come to take part," he said, of the event, which he said was a symbolic protest. He said the government lost political legitimacy after its bloody handling of red-shirt protesters in April and May, which led to 90 deaths and more than 1,800 injured on both sides.

The red shirts are due to gather around the Clock Tower inside the park at 5pm. The park is traditionally popular for aerobic dances, though today's event will probably be the first aerobics protest"

Would seem highly unlikely that they would then go and explode a device just around the corner at 5:40pm....??

No. Its clear, the Reds didn't do this...

You are assuming that the red shirts are one cohesive movement. I don't believe the government would murder its own citizens just to justify a state of emergency. There are many other ways to do that.

Maybe they should consult with someone like the City of London police who have had many years experience of dealing with lowlife scum who think nothing of killing innocent bystanders to further their cause. It is definitely time to stamp on these people very hard.

[Goshawk]

With similar logic you may say that the bomb was planted by reds in an area they knew they wouldn't be in that very same time.

no. you may think that.. but i certainly wouldn't say that..

because to me it reeks of a 'false flag' attack - here's a scenario...

Government has an Emergency Decree in place

Reds (any colour) plan to test it with a quite lawful meet up in a well known place for aerobic exercise

Government knows this in advance, and is helpless to enforce the Reds break up / dispersal as long as they do just that - 'dance'

Government loses face for being seen to ignore their own Decree & letting a political meeting of more than 5 take place - opens the flood gates to similar cloaked 'meets'

'somebody' plants a bomb at the same time as the Reds 'aerobic dance/protest'

This is the key diversion.. Reds (or any group doing the same) would disperse, having 'mud' thrown against them which would stick.. Government could then step up the Decree to cover any 'loopholes' in it that the Reds (or anyone) tried to exploit

& lets get this straight, i am a political athiest.. not red, yellow, blue, white or black.. I'm not pro any of them.

but i do observe objectively & see clearly how serious world events are so often manipulated by the side you'd least expect to be guilty of such behaviour, usually the one who holds Power & wants to keep it, to push any agenda forward to prolong its own survival.

Paranoia? No. Conspiracy? maybe... A high level game of Chess with '10 move ahead thinking' Grandmasters on each side? certainly.....

Whats the next move..???

[mazeltov]

Thaksin urges supporters not to use violence

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Monday posted a message on his Twitter page, urging his supporters not to use violence in their political fight.

The call was made a day after a blast in the heart of Bangkok killed a person and injured 10 others.

In the message, Thaksin thanked his supporters for their birthday wish for him.

"If you love me and have good intention towards me, please be patient to on-going injustice and cruelty. Please do not vent out your frustration with violence. I don't agree with the use of violence," Thaksin said.

He also thanked his Twitter followers. He said the number of his Twitter followers rose to 116,814 after he opened his page for a year.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

What did Thaksin said exactly? Can someone send me the link to Thaksins Twitter page?

Is the bomb related to Thaksin birthday or what want the The Nation article here stick together?

[teatree]

False Flag Terrorism coming to Thailand? It's one of the favorite ploys of the Anglo-American establishment, so why not? I'm keeping my mind open.

[rubl]

With similar logic you may say that the bomb was planted by reds in an area they knew they wouldn't be in that very same time.

no. you may think that.. but i certainly wouldn't say that..

because to me it reeks of a 'false flag' attack - here's a scenario...

Government has an Emergency Decree in place

Reds (any colour) plan to test it with a quite lawful meet up in a well known place for aerobic exercise

Government knows this in advance, and is helpless to enforce the Reds break up / dispersal as long as they do just that - 'dance'

Government loses face for being seen to ignore their own Decree & letting a political meeting of more than 5 take place - opens the flood gates to similar cloaked 'meets'

'somebody' plants a bomb at the same time as the Reds 'aerobic dance/protest'

This is the key diversion.. Reds (or any group doing the same) would disperse, having 'mud' thrown against them which would stick.. Government could then step up the Decree to cover any 'loopholes' in it that the Reds (or anyone) tried to exploit

& lets get this straight, i am a political athiest.. not red, yellow, blue, white or black.. I'm not pro any of them.

but i do observe objectively & see clearly how serious world events are so often manipulated by the side you'd least expect to be guilty of such behaviour, usually the one who holds Power & wants to keep it, to push any agenda forward to prolong its own survival.

Paranoia? No. Conspiracy? maybe... A high level game of Chess with '10 move ahead thinking' Grandmasters on each side? certainly.....

Whats the next move..???

You may observe objectively, but the scenario you sketch is your personal opinion which you are free to have. My personal opinion may clash with yours, no problem. We can probably agree to disagree No further discussion or woolgathering necessary.

[metisdead]

Thaksin urges supporters not to use violence

Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra Monday posted a message on his Twitter page, urging his supporters not to use violence in their political fight.

The call was made a day after a blast in the heart of Bangkok killed a person and injured 10 others.

In the message, Thaksin thanked his supporters for their birthday wish for him.

"If you love me and have good intention towards me, please be patient to on-going injustice and cruelty. Please do not vent out your frustration with violence. I don't agree with the use of violence," Thaksin said.

He also thanked his Twitter followers. He said the number of his Twitter followers rose to 116,814 after he opened his page for a year.

-- The Nation 2010-07-26

Can someone send me the link to Thaksins Twitter page?

A simple google search for Thaksin's twitter page and you too will be greeted with this:

[rubl]

False Flag Terrorism coming to Thailand? It's one of the favorite ploys of the Anglo-American establishment, so why not? I'm keeping my mind open.

I would almost ask you to refudiate that

[Goshawk]

False Flag Terrorism coming to Thailand? It's one of the favorite ploys of the Anglo-American establishment, so why not? I'm keeping my mind open.

wise move...

But could a Thai Government really be privy to such western manipulative tricks?

with Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. An English born, Eton & then Oxford educated man at the helm of it..?

errrrm....

[Insight]

...

let's also not forget that the past two post-May 19th red shirt gatherings have been at Ratchaprasong. Why the sudden change?

Have you any additional information about the post-may reds shirt gatherings at Ratchaprasong? How many people showed up? When did it exactly happen?

If they now had an aerobic event, it makes sense to do that in Lumpini Park or not?

Posting from a phone so difficult to find links, but there's been at least two red shirt gatherings in Ratchaprasong since May 19th. Both have had "plays" of people getting shot, with the last one also featuring that staged, unconvincing arrest.

Doesn't take much rocket science to consider they might of been warned to avoid Ratchaprasong this weekend so think of an alternative location & activity. After all, didn't many of the bullets fired originate from Lumpini?

[BlackJack]

democlacy lides agin

[hardy1943]

PingManDan, on 2010-07-26 04:51, said:

tonywebster, on 2010-07-25 20:12, said:

i wonder who planted it, the government to justify the continued emergency decree, the reds or the yellows, or southern insurgents (terrorists). My money is on the fist one.

OH ya lets blame it all on the Reds, my guess it was the government boys themselves to keep making them looking good, and to have them win the election in BKK, which they did.

Read my post properly then engage brain, the government is clearly my first option.

Jeez Tony he is a red shirt. You should know your statement was to complicated for a red shirt. keep it simple Do not leave a red shirt any room for misinterpreting what you say he will.

can you show me one red shirt who wont admit the government did it. You are a good little boy you do exactly as your leaders tell you to do they are very proud of you.

You forget to mention and bow to me 100 times a day.