Six Blasts Rock Hat Yai

[Thaiboxer]

The current "caretaker" has done nothing to ease the troubles in the South...in fact, it's gotten worse. He promised to end the problems in the South five years ago...it never happened. Many of the people who are not committing these acts are not coming forth with information about those who are; I wonder how many of them are really afraid or just covering up for their "brothers". Every time the military or police kill a few of these bad guys, the extremists make themselves out to be the victims; completely ignoring the innocent people who get killed down there every day. If the non-extremists don't start helping out...there's no telling what will happen. Perhaps someday the army will just starting killing anybody who even looks like an extremist. As it stands now, that's about the only thing to do...it's a shame.

Edited September 17, 2006 by Thaiboxer

[bankei]

This is dreadfully sad - real, moderate Muslims the world over are horrified by the way the fanatics have twisted the interpretations of the Holy Koran to "support" their greed and hate of anyone who does not think and act like them.

I'm fed up with this non sense : there is NO MODERATE ISLAM.

Only a few intellectuals are.

But consider the whole 1.3 billion muslims around the world. Look at what you see on TV, the image of pure violence everywhere, during mass rallies : Pakistan, Irak, Libanon, Palestine, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran, burning flags.

The same images all around the world, among different cultures, differents races. And only one common point : islam.

Are these people "moderate" ?

The day after 9/11, we saw images of muslims enjoying the news in the street of Karachi, Palestine.

And what about the massive support from the people during elections that "islamists" manage to gather ?

They are able to win election. They win election because they have support among the population : Palestine with Hamas, Algeria with the FIS. Egypt too ! And if you remove dictactureship from Saudi Arabia, and the whole middle east actually, islamist will win elections everywhere.

Because they have large support from the population.

So, are we, are you, are they still "moderate" ?

There are moderate muslims. Not all muslims support violence. TV shows usually only show the bad side. I recall a show showing the footage of muslims cheering the news of the trade centre terrorist attacks was footage from a few months earlier - they were cheering something else, but this was shown to stir up hatred of Muslims.

I am surprised at the high levels of racist and bigotist attitudes of foreigners in Thailand, in particular western males. Some don't even like the Thais!

[griser]

This is dreadfully sad - real, moderate Muslims the world over are horrified by the way the fanatics have twisted the interpretations of the Holy Koran to "support" their greed and hate of anyone who does not think and act like them.

No right thinking person could consider them to be real Muslims, they are criminals - pure and simple - filled with hate and loathing of everything.

I lived and worked in the Middle East for a number of years, many of my friends are Muslims, I currently live in a predominantly Muslim area now with a mosque just down the road.

These are normal, happy people, living their lives and following their religion - as is their right.

The problem is not so much with the normal muslims, its the fact that they basically have NO control over who can become a Imam, anyone can self proclaim to be a Imam, the other major religions all have selection processes to keep out most of the bad apples (read MOST). until the muslims learn to control that aspect of the religion they will always be doomed to takeover by fanatisism.

Greg

[Alex2353]

Hunt for bombers after explosions rock Hat Yai

SONGKHLA: -- Senior police officers in the deep South met Sunday to assess Saturday night’s incidents in which five bombs exploded in central Hat Yai city in this southern province, killing four people and injuring 59 others.

The four ill-fated bomb victims were identified as Miss Nichapa Samee from Chiang Mai, Mr. Thawat Lohatanont, Miss Joranin Sriprom and Mr. Jesse Lee Daniel, a 34-year-old Canadian teacher at Phol Vidhya School in Hat Yai, said Pol.Maj Gen. Thani Thawisri, Deputy Commissioner of the Provincial Police Region 9.

Police officers discussed the incidents and ways to hunt the bombers.

Hat Yai is a key commercial and tourist centre in Songkhla province near the Thai-Malaysian border.

Initially, authorities believed the explosions were planted by militants with an aim to create chaos in Hat Yai, said Somporn Chaibangyang, provincial governor, admitting that it was difficult to prevent violence in the district because it was a big city and a tourist destination.

I posted some time ago on this site about the poor security at Don Muang airport when I was checking my wife in for a flight to London via Abu Dabi.

Some of the comments in reply were so absurd and rediculous from no brainers that I don't bother posting anymore on this site.

My comments referred to a an easy option for the terrorists on board a flight out of Bangkok.

I beleive this will happen, it is just a matter of time.

For a long time it has been in the deep south of Thailand and now Hat Yai. It will happen in Bangkok or even Pattaya too. But as is the Thai way, the authorities will attempt to close the gate after the horse has bolted so to speak which of course will be too late.

If they could kill hundreds in Bali it is a piece of cake in Pattaya or Bangkok.

Alas, Thailand will bid farewell to its tourist industry.

The first explosion went off slightly after 9.30 pm.

Saturday’s incidents will definitely affect tourism in the area as confidence of foreign tourists, especially Malaysians and Singaporeans who usually visit the district, will diminish , he said.

Police believed that bombs planters belonged to the same group that has been instigating unrest in the three southernmost provinces – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – since January 2004.

Plans have been mapped out to assign police to provide protection at places frequently visited by tourists and at government offices in the area.

The last time the city was hit by explosion was on April 3, 2005 at the Hat Yai airport, leaving one person dead and several injured.

Last night’s incidents occurred after security officers sent a warning earlier that militant attacks could take place in the deep South between yesterday and Sept 20 as the period falls on the anniversary of the

formation of the southern militant group Gerakan Mujahidin Pattani.

They also took place after more than 1,000 Thai Muslims, including former insurgent leaders and their supporters, gathered at Yala Central Mosque in Yala province earlier in the day to attend the military-sponsored ‘Peace Project.’ The programme was organised with an objective to end the southern insurgency.

--TNA 2006-09-17

[jltheart]

Hmm let me see.

Tighter Immagration Laws.

Killing the Fargans that are here.

This country is killing itself in the world travel eye.

What are the leaders doing here. Seems Nothing but making it harder on the people that do nothing but come here to spend money.

Someone needs to get their shit together.

Just my thinking

[bkkbaz]

The same situation in Northern Ireland. If Ireland was "given back" the North would the terrorism stop and the IRA disband...???

Would it b0ll0cks!

FYI, the IRA ceased hostilities years ago (1997 iirc) and last year completed the process of destroying all of their arms.

Edited September 17, 2006 by bkkbaz

[Membrane]

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee and here go the anti-Muslim rants ......

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee and here go your pro-Muslim spin (again) ......

...like you did the last time there were bombings in the south....

[farangnoi]

And a teacher?? As if it's not bad enough for farang teachers in Thailand at the moment. RIP

A TEACHER ASWELL.........OH MY GOSH....HOW TERRIBLE.......AND HE/SHE WAS A FOREIGNER .....SOOOOOOOOOO SAD.

How about, A father, a mother, the postman, busdriver, hotelreceptionist, roommate, barman/girl, vendor etc,?????

That teacher already have a difficult time in LOS ''?

Howabout ""the people that are suffering for years with these bombtreaths, or 2 tsunamies, earthquake, and a vulcano eruptions in the last 18 months (indonesia)

I feel sorry for his/her familly, but aswell for anyone's who died in a tragic, and meaningless acts like these.

[Hurricane51]

"After this bombing, we have to seriously discuss security measures for the area. For sure, the impact on tourism will be large," he said.

So...how many bombings is this? Going back for how many years? And it's only now that we need to "seriously discuss security measures" because of the effect on tourism.

Are these guys for real? Are they incompetent, blind, or both? Don't they see what's happening in the rest of the world? They are just ASKING for a Bali style attack in Phuket.

[Nemo.]

Isn't it wonderful.

The Pope says that Islam is evil and humane.

The moderate Muslims object, but the radical ones react by setting off bombs in Thailand and attacking churches in Palestine.............

Sad to say it rather goes to prove the Pope's point.

The Muslims need to get their act together if they are to be respected.

And all Christians carry guns, shoot policeman and love f@ucking underage girls! (Waco siege)

Dont generalise...............

[farangnoi]

One more thing occured to me , that here in the "western world" You not hear jacksh*t aboutr the situation in the south if THL.

Not more then "bomb attacks in south-thailand".... BACK to jim-bob in IRAK, where a car bomb......

[PuaSai]

I work in Iraq and this happens every day. I am saddened it has reached Thailand. It is not the Muslim religion that condones this. In Iraq it is is similar. There are people who WANT something and see this as a way to get it. Organized crime is involved with this as well. Then, you have your fanatics that use the umbrella of Jihad for the Muslim world.

These are small groups, not the community at large. If you were to give in to them, what do you do when they demand Bangkok for instance?

I love Thailand and its culture and people very much. I hope that there is a solution soon to end this type of evil, but it has many arms and heads to cut off and unfortunately it will be a difficult battle. I wish the Thai goverment all the knowledge and resources to overcome this evil.

[PuaSai]

This is dreadfully sad - real, moderate Muslims the world over are horrified by the way the fanatics have twisted the interpretations of the Holy Koran to "support" their greed and hate of anyone who does not think and act like them.

I'm fed up with this non sense : there is NO MODERATE ISLAM.

Only a few intellectuals are.

But consider the whole 1.3 billion muslims around the world. Look at what you see on TV, the image of pure violence everywhere, during mass rallies : Pakistan, Irak, Libanon, Palestine, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran, burning flags.

The same images all around the world, among different cultures, differents races. And only one common point : islam.

Are these people "moderate" ?

The day after 9/11, we saw images of muslims enjoying the news in the street of Karachi, Palestine.

And what about the massive support from the people during elections that "islamists" manage to gather ?

They are able to win election. They win election because they have support among the population : Palestine with Hamas, Algeria with the FIS. Egypt too ! And if you remove dictactureship from Saudi Arabia, and the whole middle east actually, islamist will win elections everywhere.

Because they have large support from the population.

So, are we, are you, are they still "moderate" ?

There are moderate muslims. Not all muslims support violence. TV shows usually only show the bad side. I recall a show showing the footage of muslims cheering the news of the trade centre terrorist attacks was footage from a few months earlier - they were cheering something else, but this was shown to stir up hatred of Muslims.

I am surprised at the high levels of racist and bigotist attitudes of foreigners in Thailand, in particular western males. Some don't even like the Thais!

Well,I am one of the Western males that love the Thai people, their country and culture. How could you not.

The media sells more showing the horror and destruction going on. We see it here in Iraq. I dont even watch the news anymore. Even the Army Times is full of death most of the time. Some of these "crowds" are staged or are made to look bigger than they are. Again, its a minority of people.

Some people are afraid to report on others doing these types of acts because of retaliation against their families. The governments anywhere can do just so much to protect these people who do come forward. So, you cant say they all are supportive, they are afraid.

[farangnoi]

I work in Iraq and this happens every day. I am saddened it has reached Thailand. It is not the Muslim religion that condones this. In Iraq it is is similar. There are people who WANT something and see this as a way to get it. Organized crime is involved with this as well. Then, you have your fanatics that use the umbrella of Jihad for the Muslim world.

These are small groups, not the community at large. If you were to give in to them, what do you do when they demand Bangkok for instance?

I love Thailand and its culture and people very much. I hope that there is a solution soon to end this type of evil, but it has many arms and heads to cut off and unfortunately it will be a difficult battle. I wish the Thai goverment all the knowledge and resources to overcome this evil.

JUst to inform you PuaSai, the bombings in the south are there even befor the Irak situation (even before 1999)

For the rest you absolutly right, in Irak Mulims bombing Muslims.

[Maejo Man]

The Australian press is full of it, as no doubt is the rest of the western press.

AT least one Australian has been injured after a string of bombs tore apart a popular tourist area in Thailand, killing four people and wounding dozens.

The six simultaneous blasts ripped through Saturday night crowds in bars and cafes in Hat Yai, the main tourist hub in the southern Thailand that has been gripped by a Muslim insurgency which has killed more than 1,400 people.

A Canadian tourist was among the latest dead, according to officials. A dead female mistakenly identified by medical staff as a Chinese tourist turned out later to be an ethnic minority from Chiang Mai, hospital officials said.

At least one Australian was injured.

Health minister Pinit Jarusombat said 14 other foreigners were among the 72 wounded, and included six Malaysians, three Singaporeans, three Britons, an Indian and an American.

Paitoon Pattanasophon, police chief in Songkhla province, where Hat Yai is located, said police were holding emergency meetings during the morning as the hunt for suspects got under way.

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has ordered his deputies to work closely with police and military, his secretary said.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Prasit Paochoo said two explosive devices were planted inside motorcycles and detonated with a mobile phone.

The other four were planted near the entrances of two department stores and a hotel frequented by foreigners, he said, adding that police were still unsure what kind of bombs they were.

As dawn broke in the city, crowds of shocked onlookers gathered amid the wreckage. Walls were studded with shrapnel at the sites, which were covered with debris and pools of blood.

"I heard the blast and I live a kilometre away," said one bystander as others stood numbly on the edges of devastated restaurants.

Several charred vehicles lay in the road where they had burned the night before.

Outside the Brown Sugar Bar and Cafe, an Australian visitor still wearing his hospital gown stood staring at the wreckage of where he was drinking the night before.

"I feel really lucky today," said the distraught man, who did not give his name, adding that doctors had removed shrapnel from his shoulder and his girlfriend suffered multiple fractures to her leg.

In the immediate aftermath of the blasts, Thai television showed bloodied victims lying in restaurants or being led to safety by rescue personnel as vehicles burned in streets, which were strewn with shattered glass and overturned tables and chairs.

One body was shown covered with a white sheet next to an overturned motorcycle as firemen tried to douse several blazing vehicles nearby.

Soon after the blasts, nearly 1,000 foreign and Thai tourists staying in hotels along Hat Yai's main road were evacuated, the Nation newspaper reported.

Hat Yai was also the victim of deadly insurgent violence in April 2005 when the city's airport was bombed, killing two people, and the city has been struggling to rebuild its tourism industry.

Parts of Songkhla province are under martial law as the Government struggles to contain an Islamic insurgency, and provincial governor Somporn Chaibangyang said the attacks would further damage Hat Yai's tourism sector, which is still recovering from the airport blasts.

"We need to work hard to regain our tourism," he said.

"Authorities have to work completely to prevent any violence from happening. But it is difficult to keep watching every single area, as wrongdoers will make violence in the area where they think they will have the most success," he said.

Herald Sun

[PuaSai]

I work in Iraq and this happens every day. I am saddened it has reached Thailand. It is not the Muslim religion that condones this. In Iraq it is is similar. There are people who WANT something and see this as a way to get it. Organized crime is involved with this as well. Then, you have your fanatics that use the umbrella of Jihad for the Muslim world.

These are small groups, not the community at large. If you were to give in to them, what do you do when they demand Bangkok for instance?

I love Thailand and its culture and people very much. I hope that there is a solution soon to end this type of evil, but it has many arms and heads to cut off and unfortunately it will be a difficult battle. I wish the Thai goverment all the knowledge and resources to overcome this evil.

JUst to inform you PuaSai, the bombings in the south are there even befor the Irak situation (even before 1999)

For the rest you absolutly right, in Irak Mulims bombing Muslims.

I am new watching the Thailand scene while I wait to go back to be with my Thai woman. I did not know it went back as far as that. I knew the Philippines had their problems in the past. Thank you for the info. Again, I hope they find a way to persevere against these types.

Edited September 17, 2006 by PuaSai

[onlooker]

The dead Canadian guy is Jesse Lee Daniel, a 34-year-old teacher at Phol Vidhya School in Hat Yai.

(Let's see how long it is before someone posts asking if he had a WP or not.)

[toolpush]

What is it with muslims and bombs? Do they have an explosive fetish? Or how about muslims and airplanes? Why do they hate airplanes? Are they too noisy? Or why do they hate cars so much? Always blowing them up!

[stinkey turner]

I am surprised at the high levels of racist and bigotist attitudes of foreigners in Thailand, in particular western males. Some don't even like the Thais!

Why is it biggoted or racist when someone questions Islamist fundemtalism? Why do you take such offense? Some Thais in my coutnry (US) don't like Americans even though they make a living here, big freakin deal heh?

My concern is this...Why don't the peace lovong Muslim people denounce fundementalist voilence instead of looking for excuses or calling others racist? Why can't they accept an appology when someone recants for an "offense" from a cartoon or even the the pope? Atleast most westerners can agree that the pope's comments were stupid and he should appoligise sionce Muslim are super sensitive to that stuff. Atleast we can acnkoledge this fault.

Seriously! It time the "peace loving" Islamic leaders take a stand and denounce terrosist acts against Westerners insteread of placating to the populists and cowering over the next coup.

You may think that it is the case that Muslims denounce violence, but in the western world, I can assure you that most believe it is somewhat condoned by the Mullahs and other religious leaders as justifiable. Adnd if you agree that these acts are justified based on western provocation, then yes, there will be a world war over stupid religious ideology since it is not in western belief to accept such terrosits acts regardless of western foriegn policy. sucks, don't it?

[teacher]

Isn't it wonderful.

The Pope says that Islam is evil and humane.

The moderate Muslims object, but the radical ones react by setting off bombs in Thailand and attacking churches in Palestine.............

Sad to say it rather goes to prove the Pope's point.

The Muslims need to get their act together if they are to be respected.

Do you even know the bombers were Muslim?

If they were, does this mean all Muslims are terrorists?

Maybe they were men, does this mean all men are also terrorists?

[bkkbaz]

YES IT IS WRONG TO SAY THAT "ALL MUSLIMS ARE TERRORISTS".

BUT IS IT WRONG TO SAY THAT "ALL TERRORISTS ARE MUSLIMS"?

Yes, very wrong indeed.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_organisations

Please turn off Caps Lock, by the way.

[VanZam]

This is just a muslim bashing topic.. id rather hear more educated posts on the actual bombing.

Nobody has been caught, so all "it was the muslims due to their religion" crap is pure speculation.

Get a clue people.

[george]

Canadian teacher dead in Hat Yai bombings; Top brass fly south

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's long-simmering insurgency intensified Saturday with the bombings in Hat Yai, and became inescapably internationalised with the first western casualty, a Canadian schoolteacher.

Defense Minister Gen. Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya Sunday flew to Hat Yai to inspect the scene of a series of bomb blasts Saturday night, to assess damage and demonstrate the urgency with which the government is viewing the situation in the south.

Gen. Thammarak will assist in investigating the incidents which killed four persons, including a 34-year-old Canadian schoolteacher Jesse Daniel, an English teacher at Hat Yai's Phol Vidhya School, and wounded 72 others.

Accompanied by Army Commander-in-Chief Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin and Royal Thai Police chief Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana, Defense Minister Thammarak told journalists before departing for Hat Yai that the bombers should be denounced because the explosions were planted in tourist areas and tarnished the country's image.

Gen. Thammarak also urged the public to denounce the act and cooperate with government officials to help suppress terrorism by the militants. He said he believed the explosions had nothing to do with Thailand's ongoing political turbulence.

Asked why the explosions could happen despite intelligence warning of possible attacks by the Gerakan Mujahidin Islam Pattani during the Sept 16-20 period to mark its anniversary, Gen. Thammarak said state security and the military are responsible for the three insurgency-troubled southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, but police and the provincial governor are responsible for Hat Yai.

Local authorities have been focusing on important places such as railway stations and government offices.

Declining comment on the possibility of extending the emergency decree in Hat Yai, he said more detail needed to be studied.

The decree is now imposed in some areas of the three predominantly Muslim provinces.

--TNA 2006-09-17

[sriracha john]

wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee and here go the anti-Muslim rants ......

yep... it was nice that the original thread

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=83643

didn't have it nearly so much...

[Alreadyinuse]

Astral --- you seem to be confusing "Muslim Terror" and "Thailand" somehow ......

Aren't you in Malaysia now?

Maybe I misunderstand you but I dont think there is confusion.

Atleast I am, and I also believe Astral do look at their actions.

Of course it is Thailand terrror and if it is done by muslims, Of course it is muslim terrrorists militants etc. Name of groups, causes are irrelevant.

Due to Lopburi3's comment I would like to add that most political, ethnic, religious and even sports groups have their fair share of radical/fans. My post is not to criticize any group in particular.

One definition of terrorism is

"Acts of terrorism are not intended to merely victimize or eliminate those who are killed, injured or taken hostage but rather to intimidate and influence the societies to which they belong"

That the real cause is its history to Pattani, an independent Malay kingdom that Thailand conquered and occupied in the 17th century does not really justify their actions!

To place a bomb in Big-C, restaurants or Hotels just shows that their true intentions were of evil nature!

Alot of these terrorists group join forces even though their fundamental views and cause vary.

Quote from

Southeast Asia and the Brotherhood of Terrorism

by Dana R. Dillon

"Many senior members of today's Southeast Asian terrorist groups were introduced and formed an alliance during the Afghan war against Soviet occupation. The camaraderie militants formed during battles against the Soviet Union still infuses their relationships today. After defeating the Soviet Union, many militants returned to Southeast Asia inspired by the success of their struggle--and motivated to bring jihad home to Southeast Asia. These radical leaders maintained their relationships through communicative channels (such as al-Qaeda) and freely trained members of their militant groups in Afghanistan until the American occupation in 2002.

This is just my point of view and I do hope that there is a peaceful ending to this conflict in the south and that the connection and influences with the more radical muslim in the Middle East seizes.

Edited September 17, 2006 by Alreadyinuse

[lopburi3]

Please try to keep your posts on topic (bombing in Hat Yai) and keep the political/religious hate posts off. A number of posts and at least one member have been removed thus far. Trolling/aggressive posting is not helpful to anyone. Thanks.

[englishoak]

Seems to me the terrorists are really beginning to get desperate for attention down south. It is hardly justifiable or smart to target places where there is a large tourist and foreigner element. This is supposed to be local freedom thing remember? NOT a general terrorist attack on the foreign community like Bali.

It’s pretty stupid to risk killing Malay's as most will be "Muslim brothers”: whistling: As for farang? well it's obvious that more and more will avoid the south. Also it is getting harder and harder to stand back and be un-biased. I do hate the fact that Muslims are all getting tagged with the same label of "terrorist" It does not help however when nearly all terrorists currently active and responsible for atrocities on this regular basis and scale ARE in fact Muslim.

It's high time that the leaders of the Muslim faith condemned these acts publicly vehemently and consistently throughout the world. This is not the face of Islam they tell us. It’s time to prove it then. Give up these terrorists and show the other face of Islam.

I used to quite happily go through Had Yai enroute to Malaysia and often toured/stayed around the south of Thailand. I have a lot of Thai friends down there, but now i have a family in tow I just can't justify taking a risk with them so the deep south is now out. It makes me real sad and angry that they are only condemning their own people to a worse life, or mabe that’s the aim. To have everyone un-educated, poor and malleable.

###### I love the south too but it just ain't worth the risk.

[yoshiwara]

...just be thankful that the bombings have still not migrated further north..though that is on forum member' minds......

[VanZam]

###### I love the south too but it just ain't worth the risk.

Its a real shame that the international media will not mention that this problem is confined to the south. The headlines will include the word(s) "Thailand" not "South Thailand".

As if the issue with visas wasn't putting enough pressure on tourisim, what tourist will want to come here now that they are a target?

Sad days ahead, and I'm sorry to say, but I place the blame directly on the heads of the former/caretaker govt, they are guilty of failing to act.

[Nam Kao]

The US should be issuing a travel warning for Thailand soon now that foreigners are

being targeted