Six Blasts Rock Hat Yai

[englishoak]

Just spoke to a couple of friends in Satun and the rumour there is the bombings were set up by the army to create more unrest and justifying a stronger military presence in the south.

[denby45]

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.

That is just a list of known terrorist organisations PAST and present. I am more interested in what is happening in today's world. Question is what percentage of terrorists are Muslim. today?

Den

[ChiangMaiThai]

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.

Oh really? Where are the massive protests by these moderate Muslims against these fanatics who are destroying the reputation of Islam across the entire planet?

Probably in the same place as the protest of moderate Catholics when the IRA was blowing up chunks of the UK. Law abiding people don't usually feel it necessary to go on marches to protest their innocence.

You miss the point so badly that it is scary.

[MyPenRye]

I agree with most posters who state that we should look at the underlying causes of this issue and deal with the universal issue.

These people's rights of self-determination (culture,...) were taken away from them. Either we give them all of those rights back to them or both people come to some kind of negotiated settlement where this cannot be such a lose-win situation.

I thank EO for providing facts. It is possible that things are being omitted, but there are some incontrovertible facts here. These people are not Thai: Buddhists,... Logically, it seems that results of treaties have meant that they have lost their right of living as they wish. I am sure they did not want it. I am sure they would prefer to live using their own culture (language, religion,...). We all do. Should we impose on the rest of the Thai population the Muslim religion? Would they like it? Would they not rebel against it? Would not you? I would! Although I am not much a partisan of patriotism [sic], if that's what they want, give it to them. Beside, language has always been an easy way (as race and religious affiliation) to use other people who can be used by the majority.

The real issue is money and power.

Does the T. govn't want to lose all that population and revenue? No. Do they like foreigners like us stating the obvious? No. And while they might need our money, they know that they should perhaps limit our influence (visa rules,...). Governments (the capitalists and rich owners) do not like educated people (who gets killed first when there is a despotic state that emerges [under the guise and name of communism, some religious affiliation, or whatever,...). Anyway, I understand that this is pure speculation and a bit far-fetched, but not out of the real of possibilities.

This is nothing new and this is a universal problem that started when the European colonial powers decided to carve the Earth in little pieces for their own self-interest (national and multinational owners and share-holders). To whom belongs Algeria? The Algerians. Congo? To the Congolese. Yes. They might not been as "developed" as they were when the Western powers came about (and dumped the unwanted and used products to them), but then we might one to question the value of materialism like some of them did. And besides, who want to eat a baguette and fries everyday? (I do,.. but they probably don't.)

We know Thailand depends on tourism. The separatists know that too. It is a game of cat and mouse, and the mice will use all the means in its power to get what is rightfully its and so will the cat. If the loss of tourism revenue is large enough, eventually the T. govn't will decide to have them separate. If not, this will continue ad vitam aeternam. In the meantime (pun intended), many innocent people will die, but none of the big players will since they are sitting comfortably at home protected.

In essence, both have extremist views. The T. govn't will suffer a great deal --I think-- if they separate. If someone says tomorrow that you should give 20% of your assets because it needs to be redistributed, most people will object to this. However, if you state that withing 20 years we will give back what was stolen,... then it might be a different story. The separatists should also understand that the Thai gave them things as well.

It is not beyond the realm of possibilities that some religious leaders (or other types) are using this as a way to gain more power. But, then who does not want a nice steak when there is just water and bread on the table. If only we could have just people who want one steak, not two, we would be better off, strangely enough. ALL (ok,... no, not the one who can eat 20,000 steaks because s/he can have many guards protecting him or her ... and the steaks, as they all have a huge ... stake in this ). I bet my dollar dollar though that there are not too many who drive Rolls and live in huge palaces down south.

This is what I think. It is not simple.

Edited September 17, 2006 by MyPenRye

[endure]

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.

Oh really? Where are the massive protests by these moderate Muslims against these fanatics who are destroying the reputation of Islam across the entire planet?

Probably in the same place as the protest of moderate Catholics when the IRA was blowing up chunks of the UK. Law abiding people don't usually feel it necessary to go on marches to protest their innocence.

You miss the point so badly that it is scary.

Not at all. I've lived through 30 years of terrorism in the UK. I missed being blown up by an IRA bomb by 30 minutes but I never expected innocent Catholics to come out on the streets protesting about the IRA when it happened.

[MyPenRye]

Just spoke to a couple of friends in Satun and the rumour there is the bombings were set up by the army to create more unrest and justifying a stronger military presence in the south.

Although I can see someone/some group using this as a diversion, the T. govn't that relies on tourism revenues (especially for the next four months) does not have a vested interest (unless they use this as a way to crack down on the people, but it will be exploited by the provocateurs at the end, so it defeats the purpose).

Now, you did say "military". That's possible as some of them don't like the PM. and this could be another way to destabilize his govn't. Whether or not things will be better afterwards, that is hard to say. Some might say: "Can it be worst?"

Edited September 17, 2006 by MyPenRye

[MyPenRye]

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.

Oh really? Where are the massive protests by these moderate Muslims against these fanatics who are destroying the reputation of Islam across the entire planet?

Probably in the same place as the protest of moderate Catholics when the IRA was blowing up chunks of the UK. Law abiding people don't usually feel it necessary to go on marches to protest their innocence.

You miss the point so badly that it is scary.

Not at all. I've lived through 30 years of terrorism in the UK. I missed being blown up by an IRA bomb by 30 minutes but I never expected innocent Catholics to come out on the streets protesting about the IRA when it happened.

You are right! Too many people are busy making ends meet or extending the ends. It is not until it gets to be a personal issue, that it hits home. Or vice versa, if you will.

I wish people could understand that your neighbhours' issue can often be yours, ... at the end, but maybe peope are playing the odds! Too bad, there is strength in number. On the other hand, in this instance, the majority (the Thai people) could side with their govn't, and it is not clear that this is the way it should go. Sometimes the majority can be wrong.

Edited September 17, 2006 by MyPenRye

[asd]

###### 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.

Sad state of affairs when a confident Prince is on location after the incident, chatting with locals and foreigners in their language while a spineless amoeba of a Caretaker PM is abroad or hiding as usual, ordering his "best men" to show up afterwards.

Good comment !!

Not surprisingly, Caretaker Prime Minister Thaksin is denying everything in his typical bombastic style saying that the attackers were simply drug-addicted youth who were paid off by crime interests.

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Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn

Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn is the only son of Bhumibol Adulyadej, King (Rama IX) of Thailand, and Queen Sirikit.

Vajiralongkorn was born in the Royal Palace in Bangkok. He was educated at a primary school in Bangkok, and then at private secondary colleges in the United Kingdom (Millfield School, Somerset) and Australia (The King's School, Sydney).

In 1972 the King gave him the title "Somdech Phra Boroma Orasadhiraj Chao Fah Maha Vajiralongkorn Sayam Makutrajakuman," making him the Crown Prince and heir to the throne.

We love you.

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[asd]

Giving moral support

On September 17, advisor of Democrat party, Mr. Chuan Leekpai visited to give moral support to Hat Yai's groups in Songhla Province.

[asd]

No state of emergency likely for town: Army

The military has not been authorised to impose a state of emergency in Hat Yai.

Fourth Army Area commander Lt General Ongkorn Thongprasom said there was no order for a state of emergency to prevent or cope with more possible terror attacks.

A state of emergency is effective in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla but not Hat Yai.

"The imposition of a state of emergency in Hat Yai would scare away tourists and affect the local economy," he added.

Provincial Governor Somporn Chaibangyang said police and civilian security officers had focused on security at government offices and public facilities. The suspected insurgents chose unexpected targets.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts and officials have not blamed any group.

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The Nation

[MyPenRye]

Peace and love. This is Islam.

Oh by the way, a fresh news from Reuters telex, that highlights the great respect muslims have for women.

But of course, don't repeat it. It's bad.

(Hum... Maybe I should find a link with Hat Yai bombing. I'm going to think about it, and I'll return as soon as possible, I promise.)

Peace and love.

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) - Pakistani rights activists called on the government on Sunday to suspend Islamic laws on rape and adultery until controversy over them is settled.

The government is struggling to amend the laws, known as the Hudood Ordinances, which require a rape victim to produce four male witnesses to the crime or risk charges of adultery.

They have been a bone of contention between liberal and religious groups since their introduction in 1979.

"These laws have tarnished the image of Pakistan and our religion and in the last 27 years, a generation of women have been affected by these laws," Naeem Mirza, an official of Aurat (Women) Foundation told a news conference.

"We urge the government to suspend the Hudood Ordinances immediately until parliament repeals or amends them," said Farzana Bari, a rights activist and head of the Gender Study Department at Quaid-e-Azam University in Islamabad.

President Pervez Musharraf, who espouses a philosophy of "enlightened moderation," had called for a review of the laws and the government had drafted an amendment taking rape out of the sphere of religious law and putting it under the penal code.

But the government backtracked last week after Islamists threatened to quit parliament if the laws were changed, and agreed to keep rape both in Islamic and civil law.

Í don't really mind if posters are a bit off-topic. If they feel it is topical, then so be it.

If the connection is that lately bombs are being made and exploding as a result of the actions of extreme muslims in many places around the world, then no one can deny that. However, no one can deny that those are extreme Muslims with extreme views. And, while the average Muslim does not protest, it is simply that they live in precarious situations, often not knowing how they are going to feed their children. The religious leaders/Al Jazeera,... have presented them with an enemy like the Canadians and the US citizens were presented with one or two or three during the wars (rats+Chinese/Vietnamese,...). In the meantime, no one is looking why they are living in luxurious conditions,... (Not all, of course, but many.) Of course, some of them might indeed believe that some Western powers are evil and are responsible for their sad state of affairs. I know of many moderate Muslim and Atheist Arabs who don't sympathize with the extremists (some have paid dearly with friends and family members killed by them). On the other hand, they also see the US and British govn't (and the rich multinationals and companies,...) who are abusing their power too. In some ways, we are all responsible (and in some ways we are not). Most of us depend on our pensions which are based on those companies success. But, I digress.

The people in the South have a legitimate beef. However, as I have expressed in previous posts, either Thailand gives them autonomy or they start negotiate with a time line and a neutral negotiator should be selected.

Does it really make sense that Muslim in Thailand have to live like Thai?

How would you like if I were to tell you that tomorrow the only chance your daughter or son has to keep his or her job is to be fluent in Mandarin? And we know about how much disregard the media puts on people who have darker skin in Thailand. How many successful, beaqutiful people on TV and in ads have lighter skin? HOw many of them sell white powder? It is pretty obvious what is going on. Interesting that the people with power have a lighter skin. Strange. Very strange.

I don't think is so much about religion as it is about racism and the rights of self-determination, as a result. It is rather convenient to link the two. The truth often lies in the middle.

[richard10365]

I think the people of the regions should vote on the question of independence. If the vote reveals that the majority want independence then they should petition Bangkok to grant them independence.

[MyPenRye]

No state of emergency likely for town: Army

The military has not been authorised to impose a state of emergency in Hat Yai.

Fourth Army Area commander Lt General Ongkorn Thongprasom said there was no order for a state of emergency to prevent or cope with more possible terror attacks.

A state of emergency is effective in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla but not Hat Yai.

"The imposition of a state of emergency in Hat Yai would scare away tourists and affect the local economy," he added.

Provincial Governor Somporn Chaibangyang said police and civilian security officers had focused on security at government offices and public facilities. The suspected insurgents chose unexpected targets.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts and officials have not blamed any group.

----------------------------

The Nation

Mmm! A state of emergency,... What? For a few bombs? Funny that there was not as much emergency when it came to negotiate with the people in the South.

So, what's next? An eye? A tooth? We are running out of body parts!

All in all, we could use a head or two!

[MyPenRye]

I think the people of the regions should vote on the question of independence. If the vote reveals that the majority want independence then they should petition Bangkok to grant them independence.

...

I agree, although the chances are slim. Let's hope cooler heads will pre...vail. (Not bad Muslim pun intended here),... but I am not optimistic.

Edited September 18, 2006 by MyPenRye

[Ricardo]

It certainly does not take an expert to tell a real bomb from a fake bomb in Bangkok.

Interesting statement John, unfortunately it WAS a real bomb in Bangkok a very real one, only the detonator was questionable because it was very old. Being sarcastic is fine, not having your facts right is wrong!

That's an interesting point.

Was the Bangkok 'bomb' fully-assembled, ready to go off, and people were only saved by the detonator being old ? It seems strange that the army can't find a working detonator for this 'plot', when they are so freely available to the terrorists, in the South.

I haven't seen this claimed before, elsewhere, what is your source ?

Edited September 18, 2006 by Ricardo

[MyPenRye]

It is an indigenous/native people insurgency

The southern provinces were originally part of the ancient Kingdom of Pattani, a semi-autonomous Malay region which adopted Islam in the mid-13th century.They speak Yawi, a Malay dialect, and most importantly they are Muslims, abiding by Islamic rules and restrictions. Thailand's Muslims are largely concentrated in the four southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, Songhkla and Yala. those living in the region are also very different from the rest of the Thai population.

Thailand annexed the region in 1902, but the people living there had - and still do have - far more in common with their neighbours in Malaysia.

Increasingly estranged from the Bangkok government, Muslim separatists began an insurgency in the 1970s. The violence eventually died down in the 1990s - but only after the government promised to channel more funds into the region and ensure the Muslim community an adequate political representation.Since TRT came to power there has been growing unrest and finally in 2003 the insurgency resurfaced

The Thai government continues to insist that most of the attacks in the south can be attributed to local criminals.

Analysts say police corruption, drug running and theft by local criminal gangs have often been responsible for the violence in the south.

There are a number of separatist groups known to operate in southern Thailand all are Muslim- including Pulo (the Pattani United Liberation Organisation), BRN (the Barisan Revolusi Nasional) and GMIP (Gerakan Mujahadeen Islam Pattani).

It seems evident that larger organised Islamic separatist groups are playing at least a part in the violence.

In the past, these groups have been linked to larger Islamic organisations such as Jemaah Islamiah - blamed for terrorist attacks across South East Asia - and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in the troubled Indonesian province of Aceh.

No group has categorically claimed responsibility for recent attacks, and it remains difficult to be certain who is ultimately behind the upsurge in violence.

But there is an increasing suspicion that Islamic separatists - perhaps allied to international militant groups such as Jemaah Islamiah - are behind the attacks.

But one thing seems certain. If police and security personnel continue to act with such heavy-handed methods, the animosity between them and the Muslim inhabitants of southern Thailand is only likely to increase.

More than 1,400 people, including three Malaysians, have been killed in attacks mostly in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces since unrest erupted in 2003.

Indigenous/native people insurgency it may be but it still looks like they also happen to be Muslim. Granted it does not seem to be linked with other world issues but I am willing to bet there is a lot of support directly or indirectly from other Islamist organisations.

Either way 1,400 casualties is an incredibly high amount and should be at the very top of a countries priorities.To put it in prespective below are figures from the UK.

the Provisional IRA was responsible for a total of 1781 deaths to date (2004). It has also been estimated that the IRA injured 6000 British Army, UDR and RUC and up to 14,000 civilians, during the Troubles. This was over 4 decades. The current figures in Thailand are over 4 years and only cover deaths not injuries. Now that is scarey

Apparently, according to the Rough guide to Thailand, in 1909, 3 Malay states fell to the British, during the time where the French and the British gov'ts took almost 1/2 of the Thailand of that time, foregoing huge sums of revenue. Can someone dig more info as to how these states were in the possession of Thailand in the first place?

Some kind of war and treaty. Probably. I think someone should discover oil and see how many rapacious nations come to offer their ... disgenuinely affable hand.

But, then, I have spoken about the link between pension plans, companies, and wars. Read my previous posts for more clarity.

Edited September 18, 2006 by MyPenRye

[Ricardo]

In essence, both have extremist views. The T. govn't will suffer a great deal --I think-- if they separate. If someone says tomorrow that you should give 20% of your assets because it needs to be redistributed, most people will object to this. However, if you state that withing 20 years we will give back what was stolen,... then it might be a different story. The separatists should also understand that the Thai gave them things as well.

3 provinces, out of 75, would be just 4% , in fact.

The government, having reduced local autonomy in the South, now hope that a Muslim army-commander , who hopefully understands better how the locals feel, can cool the situation. But when he says he wants to talk directly to the seperatists, a sensible step in the right direction, is told that this is against DL's policy, and is out of the question.

Nevertheless, at some point in the proceedings, talks will be necessary, and some concessions, so the sooner Bangkok permits this process to start, the sooner things can cool off.

If it goes on too long, then so much bitterness will have arisen, that some people may refuse ever to give up the fight. This applies to both sides. There may come a time when there IS a JI/Al-Quaeda connection, and at that point, any solution receeds far into the future.

The government has to have the strength-of-character, to start talks, sooner rather than later.

Edited September 18, 2006 by Ricardo

[MyPenRye]

In essence, both have extremist views. The T. govn't will suffer a great deal --I think-- if they separate. If someone says tomorrow that you should give 20% of your assets because it needs to be redistributed, most people will object to this. However, if you state that withing 20 years we will give back what was stolen,... then it might be a different story. The separatists should also understand that the Thai gave them things as well.

3 provinces, out of 75, would be just 4% , in fact.

The government, having reduced local autonomy in the South, now hope that a Muslim army-commander , who hopefully understands better how the locals feel, can cool the situation. But when he says he wants to talk directly to the seperatists, a sensible step in the right direction, is told that this is against DL's policy, and is out of the question.

Nevertheless, at some point in the proceedings, talks will be necessary, and some concessions, so the sooner Bangkok permits this process to start, the sooner things can cool off.

If it goes on too long, then so much bitterness will have arisen, that some people may refuse ever to give up the fight. This applies to both sides. There may come a time when there IS a JI/Al-Quaeda connection, and at that point, any solution receeds far into the future.

The government has to have the strength-of-character, to start talks, sooner rather than later.

Thanks for the info.

Actually, the 20% was just a number. I was not giving a value to how much this region is worth. This would be a very complicated matter to make fair. Based on population? Based on GNP? Based on a combination of things? Investment is the region?

I hope they will find a way to talk because at the end that's where it is going to end, not with bombs and emergency state's decrees.

I agree that the one who has the most power should be the one starting the process, but will the ones who have financial interests in the region want that risk? NO one wants to lose one's life investment or nest-egg, or whatever. However, 20% might not be a lot for a person who has three yachts compare to a person who does not know what that is!

Thanks for the info.

Very helpful.

Edited September 18, 2006 by MyPenRye

[asd]

Distraught residents wake to a new, violent reality

Charred vehicles, blackened walls, shattered bottles and tourists in hospital gowns were grim reminders of how abruptly Saturday night ended for revellers in the bustling southern city of Hat Yai.

But while the debris will clear in a day or two, many of the residents fear life for them may never be the same.

Hat Yai's lifeline has been tourism and related industries for decades, and, but for a couple of relatively minor bomb attacks over the past two years, has been thought to be outside the focus of the campaign of terror in the deep South. But as cafes or streetside restaurants began to fill with Thai and foreign holidaymakers on Saturday night, five bombs erupted almost simultaneously, showering everything nearby with shrapnel and ushering in what could be a very long economic nightmare.

As dawn broke over southern Thailand's largest city yesterday, crowds began to gather in the devastated strip of pubs and restaurants that is the heart of Hat Yai's nightlife. Outside the Brown Sugar Bar and Cafe a crowd of about 40 people had gathered, some gesturing wildly towards piles of debris or pools of blood, while others just stood numbly by.

"I heard the blast and I live a kilometre away," said one bystander.

Large beach umbrellas advertising popular brands of liquor hung in tatters from their poles. Street awnings were also shredded by flying shards of metal that left deep gouges in building walls.

Many residents were too afraid to go out shopping yesterday, leaving key fresh markets and department stores quiet.

"I opted to go to a lesser known food market in the suburbs instead," said Supavadee Mudliad, a 31-year-old vendor. "This is the first time I have done this. Normally, I go to the municipal area market every morning."

"I fear for my life but I don't know what to do," said Patchara Kongprathet, 24, tending her stall inside a Carrefour hyperstore. "I have invested a lot of money in my business here so I have no choice but to come and look after it.'

Along the streets, onlookers ignored police cordons and milled around other blast sites. Several charred vehicles still sat where they had burned the night before, and pieces of demolished motorcycles littered the road.

The impact on business was already being felt.

"I have not had a single passenger since 6am," said one tuk-tuk taxi driver sitting in front of the Lee Gardens Hotel, which police said was targeted by one of the bombs.

"Many of the tourists hurried to check out of the hotel," the driver said.

( I will delete this photo if you want. )

Back at the Brown Sugar Bar an Australian stood amongst the crowd, still wearing a hospital gown.

The distraught man, who did not give his name, said he had been only a few metres from the blast that had erupted there, and that doctors had pulled a large chunk of metal out of his shoulder which he believed had come from an exploding motorcycle.

The Nation

[asd]

I think the people of the regions should vote on the question of independence. If the vote reveals that the majority want independence then they should petition Bangkok to grant them independence.

I believe that they still love this country.

[Scott]

My condolences to the dead and injured and my thoughts to all the people in the area.

[wilko]

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.

not the kind of comments I would expect from a moderator!

[Plus]

These bombings are the largest statement outside the three muslim provinces so far. I think they chose Hat Yai because it's Pattaya of the South. Ok, maybe Sungai Golok is Pattaya, and Hat Yai is Nana. They bombed Sungai Golok's bars already anyway.

There are two good reasons to hit this hub of prostitution: one is to make themselves heard internationally, the second is to keep their muslim brothers at home with their wives.

As Heng mentioned earlier - alcohol, sex, and gambling destroy their communities and in long term pose far more danger than external enemies (the Thai state).

If Bangkok sets on a peace building course in the South these issues need to be addressed, too. They need their own version of "social order", stricter than the one imposed in Bangkok.

I believe the largest bombing in N. Ireland happened AFTER the political solution had been worked out and was the work of some splinter group.

The same will probably happen in Thailand - while the dialogue is going on some dead set terrorists will continue attacks, more viciously than ever. In the end, if the majority of population accepts the political solution, extremists will lose the support and fade away. Better yet they get a fair trial.

Right now we too far from there. There's no unity between the government and "moderate" muslims. In fact moderate muslims blame the army itself for bombs, as reported rumors show. It's won't be far off estimate to say that up to a million people rather sympathyse with "terrorists", and many of them think that Hat Yai got what it deserved - their prosperity is build on leading muslims away from their religion.

Somehow Samuel L. Jackson Bible quote from Pulp Fiction comes to mind - "and I lay my hands with fury and anger on those who poison and destroy my brothers" or something like that.

[Jai Dee]

Chart Thai proposes to install CCTV all over Hat Yai district

Chart Thai Party has proposed to install CCTV all over Hat Yai(หาดใหญ่) district to prevent bombing incident in Songkla(สงขลา) province.

Deputy Chart Thai Leader Nikorn Jamnong (นิกร จำนง) referred to the recent bomb blasts in many areas of Hat Yai district. He has expressed his sorrow and concern for local residents. He said the situation has indicated that there the numbers of officials residing in the area who not adequate despite the acknowledgement of the government and it has already warned people.

Mr. Nikorn added that CCTV should be installed throughout the district as to create confidence for tourists and local residents. He said any violence situation would have impact on the economy of Southern region as Hat Yai district is considered to be a major of trading area.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Songkhla tourism affected by recent bombing at Hat Yai district

The recent bombing incident at Hat Yai(หาดใหญ่) district of Songkhla(สงขลา) province has affected tourism of the province. Foreign tourists, especially Malaysian tourists have cancelled their accommodation bookings and have traveled back to their country.

Tourism operators and tourist guides who brought tourists from Malaysia, Singapore and Europe to Hat Yai have called for 400 buses to relocate tourists out of the area following the recent bomb blasts, particularly at Sadao(สะเดา) barrier where lots of Malaysian tourists have decided to travel back to their country.

Tourism operators claimed that tourists feel unsafe about the incident and were willing to leave the area. The province has lost almost million baht in revenue from tourists as booking for accommodations have been canceled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Chitchai says intelligence in Deep South needs to be adjusted

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Chitchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) stated that intelligence units need to improve themselves following the recent bombing incident in the southern province of Songkhla.

Gen. Chitchai chaired the meeting with the security units at the Government House today. He said the meeting did not discuss the enforcement of the Emergency Decree in locations beyond the implemented areas of the deep South. He said the meeting talked about the overall situation in the region.

He added that the recent explosion had occurred because of the officials’ mistake in guarding the area even though they knew in advance about the bomb blast. Therefore, he said the intelligence units need to be improved.

Deputy Prime Minister Chitchai said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will issue a document to Canada to inform about the death of its citizen from this incident.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2006

[dippy]

Songkhla tourism affected by recent bombing at Hat Yai district

The recent bombing incident at Hat Yai(หาดใหญ่) district of Songkhla(สงขลา) province has affected tourism of the province. Foreign tourists, especially Malaysian tourists have cancelled their accommodation bookings and have traveled back to their country.

Tourism operators and tourist guides who brought tourists from Malaysia, Singapore and Europe to Hat Yai have called for 400 buses to relocate tourists out of the area following the recent bomb blasts, particularly at Sadao(สะเดา) barrier where lots of Malaysian tourists have decided to travel back to their country.

Tourism operators claimed that tourists feel unsafe about the incident and were willing to leave the area. The province has lost almost million baht in revenue from tourists as booking for accommodations have been canceled.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 18 September 2006

Here is what I don't understand. They know it's a difficult region and they know that tourism will ceased to exist there if it continues so why not send the military down there and round up all the trouble makers. You know the guys with that religion that kill in the name of the higher power? Notice how I'm tiptoeing around a touchy subject!

But seriously, why not just go down there and do some house cleaning? They have no problem running the tourists out of the country for "TAX" reasons so why not down there? Seems to me that you should just clean it all up!

[Galong]

Thaksin has mentioned offering monetary rewards for information leading to the arrest of the murderers. This could actually work. Make the $$$ prize big enough and I'll bet some folks will start ratting out their neighbors... I hope.

[TravelBUG]

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?

Are you kidding or just extremely niave? I think its pretty safe to say they would have been muslims

[cwilliam]

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

Aren't you in Malaysia now?

Big deal,you live in the fast lane or you die.Everybody is going to die sometime!