Powerful bomb explode near Rajprasong intersection wounding 20 people

[pedro01]

You have to wonder though, what exactly can they (the authorities) do? The streets of Bangkok are total chaos and it must be very easy for an unidentifiable person to leave a bag somewhere in amongst all the street carts etc and then simply melt away into the crowds. Tbh Id say its almost the same in places like London and find it quite surprising there havent been Isis bomb attacks or 7/7 repeats...

They could have a competent police force that is actually interested in enforcing the law and investigating crimes.

[granuaile]

Holy shiiii, just checked the location of the explosion. The explosion happened at the place I used to cross everyday. Its very near mixx nightclub, I used to walk from my hotel to there. Damn, I crossed that intersection literally everyday like 2-3 months ago.

Every time my friend visits from China we visit there .... Hard to believe this....

I have a friend with a business that provides transportation for tourists from Taiwan and China, one of her drivers was on the way there with some tourists tonight and the explosion happened before they arrived...

[MiKT]

Why are the major news outlets reporting this as "Totally Unexpected?"

Because only sick people expect these kind of things.

Thats a disgustingly sick response. Totally disrespectful to those poor dead and injured people. Do you think they deserved to be blown up for being in the vicinity of Erawan?

[roamer]

It's terrorism for sure but in the service of what cause ... how can we know?

Islamist state

I seriously doubt that and also doubt it's about South Thailand either.

See no reason why Thai's, youths in particular, cannot be radicalised in the same way they are in other countries by a media savvy organisation like IS. Even easier prey when there is a conflict like there is in the south.

[granuaile]

It's terrorism for sure but in the service of what cause ... how can we know?

Islamist state

I seriously doubt that and also doubt it's about South Thailand either.

I agree with Jingthing....

[coulson]

Holy shiiii, just checked the location of the explosion. The explosion happened at the place I used to cross everyday. Its very near mixx nightclub, I used to walk from my hotel to there. Damn, I crossed that intersection literally everyday like 2-3 months ago.

I'm happy you've finally got the full details of the situation after you managed to give a full account of who was behind it....

[Twin Peaks]

Sad day for the kingdom.

[granuaile]

Police ruling out southern insurgents already? Hmm....

The problem with the investigation is that if the truth is too damaging to the country, like southern Malays-Thais bringing terrorism further north, I really don't see it coming out. better to put out the fire behind closed doors.

I would just ask some questions...

What was it that has been responsible for - at least as far as I can remember - every act of terrorism in Bangkok, and I've been here for six years... Islamic insurgents have not targeted Bangkok, though I'm not sure why not, but I know that terrorism in Bangkok in the last several years has come from one source....

Why not ask the questions on another thread at another time ?

This isnt the time or thread to speculate

It's here and now, and people are already speculating... Who did this is certainly appropriate in this thread.... And I don't, at this point, believe it's connected to southern insurgents or international terrorism (IS likely doesn't think much about Thailand as the Kurds kick their asses)....

[steve654]

I feel like the internal war is getting started. Thailand looks peaceful on the outside, but there is a current beneath the ocean. I would not go to Thailand at this time.

That would be exactly what the cowards whoever did this want. For everyone to run scared and hurt Thailand. My family of three are visiting Bangkok next month and staying in a hotel right next to where this happened. We will not cancel and we will enjoy our holiday in Thailand.

[NCFC]

The BBC is saying there are reports 3kg of TNT had been stuffed in a pipe inside the shrine and that an electronic circuit suspected to have been used in the attack was found 30 meters away from the blast.

A very professional job. Who gets their hands on so much explosive and has the skill to carry this out.

So many of the usual suspects have too much to lose. However, we're getting very close to a big event that will make some people very desperate indeed. It all seemed to be going so well what with the bikes for mom yesterday, a small ray of hope that people really were coming together. And now this had to happen.

All of us who love Thailand are deeply saddened.

[HooHaa]

This looks like a very professional job, only islamic terrorist organizations are this good at making bombs. I'm thinking its ISIS, or Al queda.

it would seem however that you have unrivaled expertise to be able to make such conclusions from the comfort of home.

well done.

[firestar]

It's here and now, and people are already speculating... Who did this is certainly appropriate in this thread.... And I don't, at this point, believe it's connected to southern insurgents or international terrorism (IS likely doesn't think much about Thailand as the Kurds kick their asses)....

At this point it's not even speculation.. only a reflection of your particular bias.

[ToS2014]

Very sad news for those who lost their lives and for those injured. Just wonder how many privacy advocates are out beating their drum. Hope the individual(s)/group will be caught and brought to stand account.

[jabis]

Isn`t it weird, every time I`m going to travel, there`s some drama going on.

I came to Thailand first in 2010.

- When I was going back it was shooting both in Udon and BKK and a volcano eruption on Iceland (departure cancelled). Forced me to go to Laos instead where I waited 1 month.

- Then the big flood in 2011.

- Then the 2012 Bangkok bombings (departure delayed by 4 hours due to the airport security).

- Then it was some protesting and bombing in BKK in 2013 (lost my flight).

- Then it was the coup in 2014 and an unrelated 20 hour delay from Norwegian Air Shuttle.

- Then a cabin crew strike (Norwegian Air Shuttle) when I was coming to Thailand last time earlier this year.

- ... and now this as I`m due to travel back to Norway again, though not before next week.

Could also mention my wife and I was suppose to have been on a bus that crashed in Surat Thani and killed many, but the bus was already full (which was wife has said was unusual that early) so we took the next one (we learned the next day about the crash).

There`s a lot going on in Thailand, that`s for sure.

OT: You forgot about the "pipe bombs" they used at Siam BTS/Paragon entry, to blow up the electricity transformer, at the same time they just resolved the cabin crew issues with NAS.

On topic: RIP the deceased & condoleances to the families & friends who lost their loved ones

[HOAX]

Isn`t it weird, every time I`m going to travel, there`s some drama going on.

I came to Thailand first in 2010.

- When I was going back it was shooting both in Udon and BKK and a volcano eruption on Iceland (departure cancelled). Forced me to go to Laos instead where I waited 1 month.

- Then the big flood in 2011.

- Then the 2012 Bangkok bombings (departure delayed by 4 hours due to the airport security).

- Then it was some protesting and bombing in BKK in 2013 (lost my flight).

- Then it was the coup in 2014 and an unrelated 20 hour delay from Norwegian Air Shuttle.

- Then a cabin crew strike (Norwegian Air Shuttle) when I was coming to Thailand last time earlier this year.

- ... and now this as I`m due to travel back to Norway again, though not before next week.

Could also mention my wife and I was suppose to have been on a bus that crashed in Surat Thani and killed many, but the bus was already full (which was wife has said was unusual that early) so we took the next one (we learned the next day about the crash).

There`s a lot going on in Thailand, that`s for sure.

Maybe you should consider to stop traveling!

Actually, it may be the last time. My plan is to settle down next time I arrive in Thailand (next month).

[musiclover]

Holy shiiii, just checked the location of the explosion. The explosion happened at the place I used to cross everyday. Its very near mixx nightclub, I used to walk from my hotel to there. Damn, I crossed that intersection literally everyday like 2-3 months ago.

Now why would anyone be interested in knowing that ? Why bother to post such an irrelevance?

[dundee48]

Channel 3 wouldn't even stop broadcasting it's trashy soaps while all this going on. Deplorable!

Same as BBC didn`t stop broadcasting `Eastenders` after the London underground bombings or the American soaps didn`t stop after 9/11.Deplorable!

[BeefSlapper]

The BBC is saying there are reports 3kg of TNT had been stuffed in a pipe inside the shrine and that an electronic circuit suspected to have been used in the attack was found 30 meters away from the blast.

A very professional job. Who gets their hands on so much explosive and has the skill to carry this out.

So many of the usual suspects have too much to lose. However, we're getting very close to a big event that will make some people very desperate indeed. It all seemed to be going so well what with the bikes for mom yesterday, a small ray of hope that people really were coming together. And now this had to happen.

All of us who love Thailand are deeply saddened.

TNT is easy to get here.

In Ratchaburi they break stones with it.

Houses got sheds full of TNT

I was told by locals

[nickmanchester2]

Holy shiiii, just checked the location of the explosion. The explosion happened at the place I used to cross everyday. Its very near mixx nightclub, I used to walk from my hotel to there. Damn, I crossed that intersection literally everyday like 2-3 months ago.

Now why would anyone be interested in knowing that ? Why bother to post such an irrelevance?

come on man, you are a music lover, it near a nightclub

[dezy1801]

I'm surprised that something like this hasn't happened on the BTS by now. I have never had my bags or luggage checked when entering a BTS station. I also haven't seen anyone else checked. Personally, I think that the lack of security is terrible and have always expected it to happen on a BTS service. I know this is aside from this terrible event. I just hope that this highlights the fact that if people can bomb the centre of Bangkok then surely they can cause maximum carnage on the BTS system if people aren't checked on a regular basis.

I know this is a little beside this subject but I just wanted to highlight that fact.

RIP the deceased and condolences to their families.

Have you been expecting the BTS to be bombed? If so why do you continue to use it? Very strange comment.

[taony]

Holy shiiii, just checked the location of the explosion. The explosion happened at the place I used to cross everyday. Its very near mixx nightclub, I used to walk from my hotel to there. Damn, I crossed that intersection literally everyday like 2-3 months ago.

Now why would anyone be interested in knowing that ? Why bother to post such an irrelevance?

Like this post?

[HOAX]

Isn`t it weird, every time I`m going to travel, there`s some drama going on.

I came to Thailand first in 2010.

- When I was going back it was shooting both in Udon and BKK and a volcano eruption on Iceland (departure cancelled). Forced me to go to Laos instead where I waited 1 month.

- Then the big flood in 2011.

- Then the 2012 Bangkok bombings (departure delayed by 4 hours due to the airport security).

- Then it was some protesting and bombing in BKK in 2013 (lost my flight).

- Then it was the coup in 2014 and an unrelated 20 hour delay from Norwegian Air Shuttle.

- Then a cabin crew strike (Norwegian Air Shuttle) when I was coming to Thailand last time earlier this year.

- ... and now this as I`m due to travel back to Norway again, though not before next week.

Could also mention my wife and I was suppose to have been on a bus that crashed in Surat Thani and killed many, but the bus was already full (which was wife has said was unusual that early) so we took the next one (we learned the next day about the crash).

There`s a lot going on in Thailand, that`s for sure.

OT: You forgot about the "pipe bombs" they used at Siam BTS/Paragon entry, to blow up the electricity transformer, at the same time they just resolved the cabin crew issues with NAS.

On topic: RIP the deceased & condoleances to the families & friends who lost their loved ones

Yeah now I remember (too many things to remember)... but I can`t recall if it was so close to my arrival though.

[Roadman]

So very sad to wake up to this on the news this morning.

Hopefully the Royal Thai Police will solve this horrendous crime and bring all the lowlifes involved to justice.

Kia Kaha Thailand and the people of Bangkok.

[granuaile]

It's here and now, and people are already speculating... Who did this is certainly appropriate in this thread.... And I don't, at this point, believe it's connected to southern insurgents or international terrorism (IS likely doesn't think much about Thailand as the Kurds kick their asses)....

At this point it's not even speculation.. only a reflection of your particular bias.

It's all speculation and you know it... But history and recent events provide lots of clues....

Edited August 17, 2015 by granuaile

[HOAX]

I'm surprised that something like this hasn't happened on the BTS by now. I have never had my bags or luggage checked when entering a BTS station. I also haven't seen anyone else checked. Personally, I think that the lack of security is terrible and have always expected it to happen on a BTS service. I know this is aside from this terrible event. I just hope that this highlights the fact that if people can bomb the centre of Bangkok then surely they can cause maximum carnage on the BTS system if people aren't checked on a regular basis.

I know this is a little beside this subject but I just wanted to highlight that fact.

RIP the deceased and condolences to their families.

Have you been expecting the BTS to be bombed? If so why do you continue to use it? Very strange comment.

Not really a strange comment. It doesn`t take much imagination to see BTS, as well as many other things/places, being attractive targets. If you`re living in BKK, then it`s difficult not to use the BTS unless you want to be stuck in traffic half the day.

[granuaile]

I'm surprised that something like this hasn't happened on the BTS by now. I have never had my bags or luggage checked when entering a BTS station. I also haven't seen anyone else checked. Personally, I think that the lack of security is terrible and have always expected it to happen on a BTS service. I know this is aside from this terrible event. I just hope that this highlights the fact that if people can bomb the centre of Bangkok then surely they can cause maximum carnage on the BTS system if people aren't checked on a regular basis.

I know this is a little beside this subject but I just wanted to highlight that fact.

RIP the deceased and condolences to their families.

Have you been expecting the BTS to be bombed? If so why do you continue to use it? Very strange comment.

Not really a strange comment. It doesn`t take much imagination to see BTS, as well as many other things/places, being attractive targets. If you`re living in BKK, then it`s difficult not to use the BTS unless you want to be stuck in traffic half the day.

BTS at Silom was attacked with grenades in 2010, resulting in at least one death....

[anotheruser]

Saran attacks in Tokyo.

[jabis]

@Hoax,

I rerouted my arrival thru Stockholm instead of Oslo because of the strike(which they called off the same day I landed in Suvarnabhumi), and it wasn't too long after that, maybe a week or so after, that I looked at the news - then I headed down to Phuket to see some family friends, and just as I was about to head to Samui (but decided to come home, up north), they blasted the Central Festival car bomb in there.

EDIT: apparently the quoting system is <deleted> up - pulling wrong one time after time...

[Kwic]

Wow, really? In Thailand the ambulance doesn't have free pass? Cars don't have to pull over? That's insane.

Drivers either don't have space to go anywhere when stuck in traffic, or simply don't care. A few kilometers can easily take an hour.

That sucks :/ Thanks for the reply, though.

So I guess people are praying that nothing happens to them at home.......

Of course I can understand if there is no space but if I had a car and pulled over and there was another car next to me that would just

not move I would honk at him all day. If he flipped me with a finger I could even go there and smash his face in, that's how I'm pissed at

people that don't use their brains for the purpose it has been created. Makes me sick.

I guess it's good to buy a house near some hospital then and not count on ambulances.

......Appreciate the education that you have had the good fortune to receive. Thais have brains but sadly they are not taught to use them.

lol But thanks.

Anyway, there MAY be a grain of truth to the fact that Thais are not responsible enough because when I was there last time, me and my Thai friend were walking

after dark and there was this huge intersection. I'm not sure if there was a green light there that was about to be over or there were no lights but I decided to step

onto the road and I went as far as middle of this intersection, but there was liiiitle room to stand there. My Thai friend (girl) went with me since that was her reaction, to follow me.

And then she was all panicked when we were in the middle. After the cars and motorbikes passed, we continued walking to the other end.

Then I asked her, where you really scared? It was fun And she said that she thought she was going to die there lol.

I didn't know why she would say that, but after some experiences later on and what you said and what I read in general, I think that it's safe to say that

the fact that no harm would find me in my country of Poland, it may not necessarily apply to Thailand. The drivers don't give a damn in Bkk lol.

And are not that careful.

If I knew all what I know now, I don't think I would jump into the taxi motorbike the way that I did back then But I had little to no choice because

I was stuck in traffic on some bridge and after 1h we moved like 10 meters. I was in traffic more than 2h in that cab and I did not even reach middle of my destination

and it wasn't even far away. It was crazy. So my friend ordered me a motortaxi, and this dude saved me. But he was crazy in there Good experience but

now I guess I would be a "little" bit more scared of that.

I won't even mention the fact that I thought I was going to die on my way to Maya Bay, when there was little storm far ahead that produced big big waves and the little boat

we were on almost turned upside down. The Thai guy had to turn off the engine at one point because he couldn't handle it. Stupid people around me were laughing but I knew

there was nothing to laugh about since there were no life jackets on board, at least I haven't been notified there were

Crazy.

With all that considered, I still absolutely loved my experience in Thailand and I cannot wait to go back. I am actually trying to find a job, but it's extremely hard being non-Thai

and non-native speaker of English (if I wanted to teach).

I will try my best though

I wish Thailand all the best! And those bombers I hope will wake up with their balls cut off and shoved down their throats someday.

[copa8]

Saran attacks in Tokyo.

I believe it's sarin, unless you did intend to mean the plastic wrap attack.