24 hurt as three bomb blasts strike Songkhla

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS
24 hurt as three bomb blasts strike Songkhla
The Nation



BANGKOK: -- THREE bomb attacks yesterday rocked Songkhla's Sadao district, wounding 24 people including two Malaysian tourists.

The bombs went off simultaneously in front of the Padang Besar Police Station, near the Sadao Besar Police Station and by the Oliver Hotel.

Security officials said the blasts were likely the work of separatists but a detailed investigation was needed.

Governor Krissada Bunraj dismissed reports about two blasts at a McDonald's restaurant and a Tesco Lotus branch. Investigators said both attacks were caused by devices planted in motorcycles.

Most of the wounded were at the hotel where a crowd of Thai and foreign tourists had gathered. None of them are in serious condition, Krissada said.

They were all taken to three hospitals for treatment and some of them have been released.

Afterwards, security was tightened in the district and also in Hat Yai.

Sadao borders Padang Besar in Malaysia's Perlis state and insurgents have occasionally been active there.


-- The Nation 2013-12-23

[EricBerg]

Seems the bad guys missed the publicity.

[noitom]

Another 24 people injured and maimed by terrorists bombs in the Thai south. Yet there is no regular news coverage of this guerilla war in Thailand where probably over 10,000 have been killed or injured. There have been previous news reports of 6,000 killed.

When and how does Thailand intend/plan to do something about this guerilla war in the Thai south? It's been going on for 12 years or more. Why haven't western embassies declared Thailand a terror zone? What are the facts regarding the Thai south?

[Nibbles48]

Strange how The Nation have left out some of the report that the Bangkok Post included, saying that there was also a pickup containing gas cylinders packed with explosives found parked outside a police station in Phuket.

I view The Nation's reporting with suspicion time and time again. They also left out the fact that these explosions in Songkhla happened to be in the tourist district although they did mention that tourists were hurt.

I wonder if The Nation restrains itself for 'self preservation' reasons over free reporting?

[Nibbles48]

Another 24 people injured and maimed by terrorists bombs in the Thai south. Yet there is no regular news coverage of this guerilla war in Thailand where probably over 10,000 have been killed or injured. There have been previous news reports of 6,000 killed.

When and how does Thailand intend/plan to do something about this guerilla war in the Thai south? It's been going on for 12 years or more. Why haven't western embassies declared Thailand a terror zone? What are the facts regarding the Thai south?

When you have a government that doesn't even acknowledge it is happening hoping nobody will notice, then it will continue to grow.

Since when has anyone heard Yingluck even mention the war in the south?

One thing about terrorists is that they want to be noticed, and the more they are ignored the further they will go until eventually they decide it is time to really get attention and start killing western tourists.

Many may say, they wouldn't dare. But hey.... They are terrorists.

[simple1]

Strange how The Nation have left out some of the report that the Bangkok Post included, saying that there was also a pickup containing gas cylinders packed with explosives found parked outside a police station in Phuket.

I view The Nation's reporting with suspicion time and time again. They also left out the fact that these explosions in Songkhla happened to be in the tourist district although they did mention that tourists were hurt.

I wonder if The Nation restrains itself for 'self preservation' reasons over free reporting?

BKK Post also stated that the bombings may be related to disputes over goods being seized for unpaid taxes i.e. smuggling - a lot of the killings and attacks are claimed to be related to smuggling gangs. However, the pickup located in Phuket with explosives on board was probably related to terrorism as the owner had been shot dead in the deep South and the pickup stolen.

EDIT: There have been comments by observers that the younger generation of the armed miltants (Juwae) are losing support from the local Muslim population due to the killings and the general disruption to their daily lives - as someone said "kids with guns"

Edited December 23, 2013 by simple1

[paz]

Another 24 people injured and maimed by terrorists bombs in the Thai south. Yet there is no regular news coverage of this guerilla war in Thailand where probably over 10,000 have been killed or injured. There have been previous news reports of 6,000 killed.

When and how does Thailand intend/plan to do something about this guerilla war in the Thai south? It's been going on for 12 years or more. Why haven't western embassies declared Thailand a terror zone? What are the facts regarding the Thai south?

When you have a government that doesn't even acknowledge it is happening hoping nobody will notice, then it will continue to grow.

Since when has anyone heard Yingluck even mention the war in the south?

One thing about terrorists is that they want to be noticed, and the more they are ignored the further they will go until eventually they decide it is time to really get attention and start killing western tourists.

Many may say, they wouldn't dare. But hey.... They are terrorists.

Maybe what I'm saying is silly and superficial but this attitude seems to be similar to the take that Thai soften have to problems or people, look another side and hope that it will go away.

[Bpuumike]

Another 24 people injured and maimed by terrorists bombs in the Thai south. Yet there is no regular news coverage of this guerilla war in Thailand where probably over 10,000 have been killed or injured. There have been previous news reports of 6,000 killed.

When and how does Thailand intend/plan to do something about this guerilla war in the Thai south? It's been going on for 12 years or more. Why haven't western embassies declared Thailand a terror zone? What are the facts regarding the Thai south?

When you have a government that doesn't even acknowledge it is happening hoping nobody will notice, then it will continue to grow.

Since when has anyone heard Yingluck even mention the war in the south?

One thing about terrorists is that they want to be noticed, and the more they are ignored the further they will go until eventually they decide it is time to really get attention and start killing western tourists.

Many may say, they wouldn't dare. But hey.... They are terrorists.

Meanwhile the PM, political leader of the country scuttles off in the opposite direction!

I do believe she's in denial, of this and much else. Or possibly completely incapable.

Yet I understand she is also the Minister of Defence.

Good old Thailand, never ceases to amaze.

Edited December 23, 2013 by Bpuumike

[Bredbury Blue]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Thailand_insurgency#2013

[sunshine51]

The "toll" is actually 27 injured & 2 dead.

One of the injured is a little girl.

A pickup truck with 2 gas cylinder bombs

was found parked near a police station on

Phuket but defused by BDS guys. Seems

like **DELETED OUT** are on the move again.

Edited December 24, 2013 by Scott
Offensive remark

[simple1]

Another 24 people injured and maimed by terrorists bombs in the Thai south. Yet there is no regular news coverage of this guerilla war in Thailand where probably over 10,000 have been killed or injured. There have been previous news reports of 6,000 killed.

When and how does Thailand intend/plan to do something about this guerilla war in the Thai south? It's been going on for 12 years or more. Why haven't western embassies declared Thailand a terror zone? What are the facts regarding the Thai south?

As a country entity Thailand is not a "terror zone", but many Western countries have issued advisories of 'do not travel' to the provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla e.g. http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand

Perhaps the best local English language media reports on incidents of violence/attacks in the deep South is the BKK Post as it also comments when Muslim informers/those against the Juwae are murdered, as well as violence initiated by smuggler/drug trafficking/human trafficking gangs. As usual in Thailand corruption also plays a part, just do a search on a very senior official in the Thai Ministry of Defence accused of unusal wealth.

Commentary on the conflict in the deep South and the efforts for resolution or lack of by Thai politicians and security forces have been covered numerous times in the past year or so by international media and analysts e.g

http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au/newmandala/2013/07/21/finding-a-long-term-solution-in-thailands-deep-south/

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/the-secret-war-in-thailands-deep-south-8550581.html

http://thediplomat.com/2013/07/thailands-little-known-peace-process/

http://world.time.com/2012/04/23/thailand-insurgency/

.

[Yunla]

My prayers are with all the injured, and I wish them a speedy recovery from the physical and emotional wounds inflicted upon them.

[squarethecircle]

Makes it clear there's international involvement when there are bombs on the western side of the border, well outside the standard danger zone. What about those Pakistani/Indian/Malay/Indonesian/Arabs supporting this?

So it is clear that when a terrorist is successfully stopped by brutal force, the human rights organizations protest in full swing. But when they are not stopped and manage a successful attack, HRW and Amnesty International (not to mention the Muslim Attorney Center) are dead quiet.

[webfact]

No Malaysians hurt in Sadao blasts

BANGKOK: -- Although Sadao was brimming with Malaysians over the weekend, none was among the 24 people injured when three bombs rocked the district here in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, on Sunday, New Straits Times reported.

Most of the injured were believed to have been wounded by shrapnel from an explosion near a hotel in Dannok, a town popular among Malaysians located 1km away from Bukit Kayu Hitam in Kedah.

The bomb, planted in a four-wheel-drive vehicle parked in front of Oliver Hotel in Tanrattanakorn Road 2, detonated at 12.45pm local time (1.45pm Malaysian time) when the border town was abuzz with weekend tourists.

Immediately after pandemonium broke, Malaysian authorities tried to determine if there were Malaysians among the injured. Two Myanmar nationals were mistaken as Malaysians, as the local and international media picked up the news.

The Malaysian consul in Songkhla, Mohd Rozaimy Haron, late last night issued a travel advisory to Malaysians against going to towns in the Malaysia-Thai border.

Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin confirmed with Bernama that no Malaysians were injured in the bomb blasts.

Before the bombing near Oliver Hotel, two other bombs exploded in town. The first bomb, planted on a motorcycle in front of the Thai Padang Besar police station in Pekan Siam, went off at 11.30am. The site was 1km from the Malaysian-Thai border in Padang Besar, Perlis.

The second bomb, planted on a motorcycle parked at the compound of the Sadao police station, exploded about an hour later, destroying several motorcycles. No injuries were reported in both incidents.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/malaysians-hurt-sadao-blasts/


-- Thai PBS 2013-12-23

[Spare]

I know this town in closed to KL than BKK.

Why do Thai news agency have to get picture from a Malaysia source? "New Straits Times"

Are they too busy with Suthep?

[kaobang]

is not Sadao a small Pattaya?

i quote from wikitravel "This small town is a heaven in terms of drinking places, from pubs, clubs & even a Disco called Paragon. Satit Disco is one of the most interesting place where you have to visit. With Hi audio technology, you are able to enjoy drinking and nightlife. Turn into any lane and inroad & you're bound to find a place to get a drink! Be careful though as this town is virtually a cowboy town with very little presence of police, therefore try to stay out of trouble!"

what are the working girls goin to do now if the tourists run?

[lor]

Some time ago Thailand took this land and the problems started. It could be ended tomorrow if Thailand just gave it back. But this is not just a Thailand trait. Many other countries annex land and will not relinquish it.

[sunshine51]

is not Sadao a small Pattaya?

i quote from wikitravel "This small town is a heaven in terms of drinking places, from pubs, clubs & even a Disco called Paragon. Satit Disco is one of the most interesting place where you have to visit. With Hi audio technology, you are able to enjoy drinking and nightlife. Turn into any lane and inroad & you're bound to find a place to get a drink! Be careful though as this town is virtually a cowboy town with very little presence of police, therefore try to stay out of trouble!"

what are the working girls goin to do now if the tourists run?

Actually...Sadao is a small town with a few bars & restaurants about 20

kilometers inside the Thai side of the border with Malaysia.

Wiki Travel is not very accurate.

The "Cowboy" town being referred to is named Danok and sits just inside the

Thai border. All Danok is...is nothing but bars, karaoke's, restaurants, hotels,

more bars, more restaurants, brothels, more karaoke's....etc ad nauseum.

Oh...a market place that's typical of markets anywhere in Southeast Asia.

The Malaysians populate Danok in herds because they can do in Danok

what they cannot do in Malaysia...well they can do it in Malaysia but if they

get caught there's usually jail time and or a wedding soon to happen. The

odd occasional "Western" tourist can be seen sometimes...usually doing a

visa run to somewhere in Malaysia.

Now that the tourista's have bugged out the "working girls" will be fine and

perhaps cheaper...they charge more than their BKK counterparts. The girls

will always survive somehow...they always do.

Danok...the border town looking North towards Hat Yai...

*

*

*

Looking South towards the Thai-Mal border crossing...

Edited December 24, 2013 by sunshine51

[sunshine51]

Some time ago Thailand took this land and the problems started. It could be ended tomorrow if Thailand just gave it back. But this is not just a Thailand trait. Many other countries annex land and will not relinquish it.

Thailand never "took" the land. It was given back to them by the Brits who ran Malaya

at the time. Thailand used to extend down to almost Penang at one time...long ago.

Google Anglo-Siamese Treaty to find out more.

[Bpuumike]

is not Sadao a small Pattaya?

i quote from wikitravel "This small town is a heaven in terms of drinking places, from pubs, clubs & even a Disco called Paragon. Satit Disco is one of the most [/size]interesting[/size] place where you have to visit. With Hi audio technology, you are able to enjoy drinking and nightlife. Turn into any lane and inroad & you're bound to find a place to get a drink! Be careful though as this town is virtually a cowboy town with very little presence of police, therefore try to stay out of trouble!"[/size]

what are the working girls goin to do now if the tourists run?

Actually...Sadao is a small town with a few bars & restaurants about 20

kilometers inside the Thai side of the border with Malaysia.

Wiki Travel is not very accurate.

The "Cowboy" town being referred to is named Danok and sits just inside the

Thai border. All Danok is...is nothing but bars, karaoke's, restaurants, hotels,

more bars, more restaurants, brothels, more karaoke's....etc ad nauseum.

Oh...a market place that's typical of markets anywhere in Southeast Asia.

The Malaysians populate Danok in herds because they can do in Danok

what they cannot do in Malaysia...well they can do it in Malaysia but if they

get caught there's usually jail time and or a wedding soon to happen. The

odd occasional "Western" tourist can be seen sometimes...usually doing a

visa run to somewhere in Malaysia.

Now that the tourista's have bugged out the "working girls" will be fine and

perhaps cheaper...they charge more than their BKK counterparts. The girls

will always survive somehow...they always do.

Danok...the border town looking North towards Hat Yai...

DSC_0958.JPG

*

*

*

Looking South towards the Thai-Mal border crossing...

DSC_0912.JPG

Typical hypocritical Muslims.

Nip over the border for a weekend of booze and 'nightlife'.

[Scott]

Not all the people in Malaysia are Muslim. There is a sizable Chinese population and other groups as well.

[sunshine51]

Not all the people in Malaysia are Muslim. There is a sizable Chinese population and other groups as well.

I clicked the like button but I'm outta them. In Malaysia the Malays are the predominant ethnic

group. Next come the Chinese (from various regions in China), then the Indians who were brought

from Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) to work in the plantations (estates) and last but not least are the

Orang Asli or Original People. And yes there are anamists & pagans & rock worshipers too.