Tuk-Tuk Driver Who Took Bomber to Shrine Steps Forward

[Now or Never]

Australian TV News is reporting the RED SHIRTS are responsible for the bombing.

I agree.

The Bomber is most likely back in Dubai by now.

[elgenon]

_{looks like the others handed themselves in too..}

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-34007723

Notice how the BBC puts together a timeline of events, with the available photos of the suspect, and an explanatory graphic of the shrine site to try to make some sense out of the information.

While the Thai media just parrots the latest utterances of Police and Government officials.

Yeah, I guess I'm among the "Thai Bashers" at the moment; although it is simply out of frustration, and directed mostly at the media and the popinjays in uniform.

CNN is excellent too. They called it a Hindu shrine.

[speedtripler]

_{looks like the others handed themselves in too..}

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-34007723

Notice how the BBC puts together a timeline of events, with the available photos of the suspect, and an explanatory graphic of the shrine site to try to make some sense out of the information.

While the Thai media just parrots the latest utterances of Police and Government officials.

Yeah, I guess I'm among the "Thai Bashers" at the moment; although it is simply out of frustration, and directed mostly at the media and the popinjays in uniform.

CNN is excellent too. They called it a Hindu shrine.

It is officially named as a Hindu shrine in almost all sources I have heard reports from....

What exactly is the description of the bomb Location? If Hindu shrine is inappropriate...

[Berto]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

My years-in-Thailand, cynical mind instantly concocted this scenario:

Tuk tuk driver comes forward immediately after the blast, speaking to the first cop he sees, .. the cop, being a seasoned opportunist, ...

Cop: "Shut up for now. There will surely be a reward if we wait."

Tuk tuk driver: "We?"

Cop: " Yes. When you get it, we split it. OK?"

Reminds me of a simpson's cartoon. Funny, but possible.

[Xonax]

Since no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, I strongly believe that the bombing has to be politically motivated. The Bangkok Bomber could be a foreigner (or mixed Thai) in need for money hired to do the job, in order to make it look like an international terrorist action. Furthermore the bombing was most likely aimed at foreigners and not Thais, which is also pointing in direction to the political motive. If the bomber had any intention to kill Thai´s, he would most likely have chosen the "Bike for Mom" event the day before. The police should closely search the area near Hualamphong, where the bomber was picked up before the bombing. Maybe someone there remember seeing the guy before, or have seen his eye-catching yellow t-shirt before.

[willyumiii]

Well said.

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

It may not be laziness.

It may be fear.

Depending on who is behind this, witnesses may fear retaliation.

Chances are this is not a "lone gunman" kind of thing.

A numerous different "organizations" could be behind it.

Young idealistic fools can be convinced to do many things.

In fact, there is a good chance the perp is actually dead and disposed of already.

He may never be found alive or at all.

Smart criminals cover their tracks.

and this is Thailand.

Most annoying BS I have read since the blast. To go through those considerations listed above, brain mass would be required - something obviously absent with this or any other tuk tuk driver who are out for only one thing - bleed the passenger to the best of your ability and try to sell him some "extra services" to make a good commission. That he came forward exactly AFTER cash has been waived with says it all!

"To go through those considerations listed above, brain mass would be required - something obviously absent with this or any other tuk tuk driver who are out for only one thing"

Do I detect a little racial bias there?

No tuk tuk driver could possibly have the intelligence, motivation or integrity that some one like you has!

After all, we all know that only Thai people are permitted to drive a tuk tuk...

And we knw about Thai people , don't we? ( hint, hint)

I find your racist attitude very annoying!

[zaphod reborn]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

My years-in-Thailand, cynical mind instantly concocted this scenario:

Tuk tuk driver comes forward immediately after the blast, speaking to the first cop he sees, .. the cop, being a seasoned opportunist, ...

Cop: "Shut up for now. There will surely be a reward if we wait."

Tuk tuk driver: "We?"

Cop: " Yes. When you get it, we split it. OK?"

Why don't you lay off the police they are working their butts off right now

LOL. These reporters have done more work than the entire RTP. Somyot is just counting his days before he starts collecting his pension.

[kiwikeith]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

Similar to what I was thinking---- car repair shop -- ball bearings-- steel pipe sold in the soy you say and the above posters comment did the Tuk Tuk driver say he looked like the poster impression? as I think the CCTV footage doesn't look anything like him.

[kiwikeith]

More food for thought, the BBC have picked up shrapnel from across the street which the Thai police did not want when deliverd to them as no one there to take it.

Forensics may well identify similar material in the soy where he was picked up.

[JHolmesJr]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

Amazing that they didn't post the address, telephone number and identity of the car repair shop owner.

And a photograph of him staring seriously down at his tools.

[TechnikaIII]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

My years-in-Thailand, cynical mind instantly concocted this scenario:

Tuk tuk driver comes forward immediately after the blast, speaking to the first cop he sees, .. the cop, being a seasoned opportunist, ...

Cop: "Shut up for now. There will surely be a reward if we wait."

Tuk tuk driver: "We?"

Cop: " Yes. When you get it, we split it. OK?"

Why don't you lay off the police they are working their butts off right now

"working their butts off" ? .. no doubt some are.

But with the smell having strong hints of Shinawatra's Red Shirts, I would not be expecting the best policing across the board. Their loyalties are not exactly where they should be.

How many assassins, murderers were apprehended during the protests last year?

How helpful were the police?

You tell us ...

[MockingJay]

Well said.

It may not be laziness.

It may be fear.

Depending on who is behind this, witnesses may fear retaliation.

Chances are this is not a "lone gunman" kind of thing.

A numerous different "organizations" could be behind it.

Young idealistic fools can be convinced to do many things.

In fact, there is a good chance the perp is actually dead and disposed of already.

He may never be found alive or at all.

Smart criminals cover their tracks.

and this is Thailand.

Most annoying BS I have read since the blast. To go through those considerations listed above, brain mass would be required - something obviously absent with this or any other tuk tuk driver who are out for only one thing - bleed the passenger to the best of your ability and try to sell him some "extra services" to make a good commission. That he came forward exactly AFTER cash has been waived with says it all!

"To go through those considerations listed above, brain mass would be required - something obviously absent with this or any other tuk tuk driver who are out for only one thing"

Do I detect a little racial bias there?

No tuk tuk driver could possibly have the intelligence, motivation or integrity that some one like you has!

After all, we all know that only Thai people are permitted to drive a tuk tuk...

And we knw about Thai people , don't we? ( hint, hint)

I find your racist attitude very annoying!

Since you found the need to detect racism in my post (which focused on the mindset of any typical tuk tuk driver) then could you please explain what exactly you're suggesting with this line of yours: "and this is Thailand"...

I find your self centered hyporite attitude very annoying!

Edited August 21, 2015 by MockingJay

[speedtripler]

Amazing how laziness goes out the door when some cash is waived around. This despite holding possibly crucial evidence that can catch this madman.

My years-in-Thailand, cynical mind instantly concocted this scenario:

Tuk tuk driver comes forward immediately after the blast, speaking to the first cop he sees, .. the cop, being a seasoned opportunist, ...

Cop: "Shut up for now. There will surely be a reward if we wait."

Tuk tuk driver: "We?"

Cop: " Yes. When you get it, we split it. OK?"

Why don't you lay off the police they are working their butts off right now

LOL. These reporters have done more work than the entire RTP. Somyot is just counting his days before he starts collecting his pension.

Somyot must be already a wealthy chap, he was the first one to offer a million baht of his own cash.... I doubt he will ever "need" his police pension

[arrowsdawdle]

Excellent. Lets hope he can provide some better info about his accent, his appearance and basically anything else.

Uhhh, that will cost more. The 30K was just for showing up.

[arrowsdawdle]

Since no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, I strongly believe that the bombing has to be politically motivated. The Bangkok Bomber could be a foreigner (or mixed Thai) in need for money hired to do the job, in order to make it look like an international terrorist action. Furthermore the bombing was most likely aimed at foreigners and not Thais, which is also pointing in direction to the political motive. If the bomber had any intention to kill Thai´s, he would most likely have chosen the "Bike for Mom" event the day before. The police should closely search the area near Hualamphong, where the bomber was picked up before the bombing. Maybe someone there remember seeing the guy before, or have seen his eye-catching yellow t-shirt before.

If directed at foreigners instead of Thais, does that swing the detector needle to a shake and bake faux monk that just left the temple to resume shenanigans on the street?

[chilli42]

This guy is the lead suspect, right? Otherwise we can skip the trial and move directly to punishment.

[gregk0543]

It is all a bit strange. At least we have the CCTV footage.

Not much info on the nature of the bomb and whether same as one the next day that story seems to have not attracted much attention.

Strange that if the guy has been in Thailand for more than a few days no one seems to recognise him from the CCTV. The lady down the street, the hotel etc. If he is a foreigner.

Strange that there seems to be no apparent motive. Just some lone wolf looney?

Strange that no one would not remember a foreigner buying the pipe. Where did a foreigner get some TNT or whatever?

But the strange thing always goes back to the motive. Why? What did it achieve except causing suffering for others? Innocent others too.

When there is not obvious motive you have to fall back on a mentally disturbed individual, but then you still have to wonder how they got the gear without speaking Thai.

Hope the police find the person or persons responsible for this senseless act of murder before they do some other senseless act.

And I hope the victims are able to cope and recover from what must be a very shocking event.

[MockingJay]

This guy is the lead suspect, right? Otherwise we can skip the trial and move directly to punishment.

Double u, tee, eff???

[The Deerhunter]

Quite often it's found that where a taxi picked someone up is very near where they are living or staying. I simply can't recall but perhaps others can a notorious American killer that was traced back this way - to his neighborhood. This could be important info.

There's also the motorcycle taxi that took him away after he apparently left the backpack. Where is that guy? Where did he take him?

Yes, but!!!! The place he was picked up from was also decribed in this O.P. as being just a 5 minute walk from Hua Lamphong, Bangkok's biggest railway station. You might be right, but it could also mean he came from anywhere.

[yuv06]

Since no terrorist group has claimed responsibility for the bombing, I strongly believe that the bombing has to be politically motivated. The Bangkok Bomber could be a foreigner (or mixed Thai) in need for money hired to do the job, in order to make it look like an international terrorist action. Furthermore the bombing was most likely aimed at foreigners and not Thais, which is also pointing in direction to the political motive. If the bomber had any intention to kill Thai´s, he would most likely have chosen the "Bike for Mom" event the day before. The police should closely search the area near Hualamphong, where the bomber was picked up before the bombing. Maybe someone there remember seeing the guy before, or have seen his eye-catching yellow t-shirt before.

I read in the news that they were already looking into that area and all the hostels there

[MockingJay]

Trail is cold (more than 48 hours after the bombing), no individual or group claimed responsibility, RTP got zip... What a major cluster F

Thailand will be in news all over the world as the country where everyone gets away with murder, even after waving and smiling into the cameras... This all is beyond belief and that permanent babble about "well planned", "well organized network", etc. I can't hear anymore. Let's face it - we have an incompetent, inferior and ineffective government with a police force that elevates any Monty Python scene above the level of Shakespeare. This all could be topped only by the statement of some police official that Thailand soon will become THE crime investigation hub of Southeast Asia...

Edited August 21, 2015 by MockingJay

[yuv06]

There's a shop in that Soi that sells only second-hand steel pipes. I once had a need for about 2 metres length of 8" internal diameter, 5-8 mm thickness steel pipe, and found it in that shop. As far as know, there are not too many shops specialised in selling used steel pipes. The police might want to investigate whether the that shop has recently sold any steel pipe of the type and size used in the bombs.

Similar to what I was thinking---- car repair shop -- ball bearings-- steel pipe sold in the soy you say and the above posters comment did the Tuk Tuk driver say he looked like the poster impression? as I think the CCTV footage doesn't look anything like him.

Yes they say the ball bearings are used in motorcycles

[arrowsdawdle]

Australian TV News is reporting the RED SHIRTS are responsible for the bombing.

I agree.

The Bomber is most likely back in Dubai by now.

Well, there you go. Saw it on TV so it must be true. First, you may want to review the long history of misstatements made by Oz News Media, or did you report it to them as an opinion piece?

[yuv06]

Trail is cold (more than 48 hours after the bombing), no individual or group claimed responsibility, RTP got zip... What a major cluster F

Thailand will be in news all over the world as the country where everyone gets away with murder, even after waving and smiling into the cameras... This all is beyond belief and that permanent babble about "well planned", "well organized network", etc. I can't hear anymore. Let's face it - we have an incompetent, inferior and ineffective government with a police force that elevates any Monty Python scene above the level of Shakespeare. This all could be topped only by the statement of some police official that Thailand soon will become THE crime investigation hub of Southeast Asia...

From what I recall the USA is more incompetent in the 9/11 case how did a couple of dumb guys hijack so many planes? and did what they did that shows how incompetent the US authorities are wouldn't you say!

[yuv06]

Australian TV News is reporting the RED SHIRTS are responsible for the bombing.

I agree.

The Bomber is most likely back in Dubai by now.

Well it was quite obvious when the red shirt guy posted the warning days before the bombing even giving the date window of the bombing

Another thing is after the bomb he posted I told you so how was that? Go check if our guys got hurt! - something to that effect

[The Deerhunter]

Regarding proximity, just look at the locations involved. Soi 9 is also about 3km from the shrine. The bridge is a little closer to soi 9 than that, but the other way. Seems very likely that he was staying somewhere inside the area defined by the Silom line of the skytrain tracks, with the open end defined by just connecting the dots. If a foreigner, probably closer to Silom since it is much easier to blend in around there.

You'd think the thai plod would check guest houses and condo managers. 2 cemeteries and a canal for dumping clothes are right there too

Do you suggest that you are sure that they are doing none of these things. In fact they may be doing all, or probably all plus much more than you mention. You obviously have comprehensive police training or at least saw all the "Bourne" movies. The police might have seen them too, and read the books! It takes time to organize manpower and rosters to do all these things. Results are coming in, (see the Police timeline photo sequence) and, perhaps at not much later than one would expect. It is not a lost cause yet, by any means. I am just surprised that he never went into a toilet somewhere with two entrances and came out a while later unrecognizeable. That yellow shirt is really distinctive. Funny that! I would not have worn something that distinctive unless there was a reason. It does show up nicely on CCTV's.

[MockingJay]

Trail is cold (more than 48 hours after the bombing), no individual or group claimed responsibility, RTP got zip... What a major cluster F

Thailand will be in news all over the world as the country where everyone gets away with murder, even after waving and smiling into the cameras... This all is beyond belief and that permanent babble about "well planned", "well organized network", etc. I can't hear anymore. Let's face it - we have an incompetent, inferior and ineffective government with a police force that elevates any Monty Python scene above the level of Shakespeare. This all could be topped only by the statement of some police official that Thailand soon will become THE crime investigation hub of Southeast Asia...

From what I recall the USA is more incompetent in the 9/11 case how did a couple of dumb guys hijack so many planes? and did what they did that shows how incompetent the US authorities are wouldn't you say!

9/11 is out of comparison because there is a great possibility that it was an inside job. Discussing 9/11 here would destroy the thread, thus please let's stay focused. Discussing on what exact level of incompetence the RTP is operating doesn't help either and can't defer from the fact that incompetence is the key to why the perpetrators haven't yet been caught. We all know that all around the world by now each call, each email, each posting, everything is recorded and stored. But the call made by the bomber while getting away from the crime scene on a motorbike taxi can't be traced, especially as there is such a short time window? Give me a break!

[yuv06]

Trail is cold (more than 48 hours after the bombing), no individual or group claimed responsibility, RTP got zip... What a major cluster F

Thailand will be in news all over the world as the country where everyone gets away with murder, even after waving and smiling into the cameras... This all is beyond belief and that permanent babble about "well planned", "well organized network", etc. I can't hear anymore. Let's face it - we have an incompetent, inferior and ineffective government with a police force that elevates any Monty Python scene above the level of Shakespeare. This all could be topped only by the statement of some police official that Thailand soon will become THE crime investigation hub of Southeast Asia...

From what I recall the USA is more incompetent in the 9/11 case how did a couple of dumb guys hijack so many planes? and did what they did that shows how incompetent the US authorities are wouldn't you say!

9/11 is out of comparison because there is a great possibility that it was an inside job. Discussing 9/11 here would destroy the thread, thus please let's stay focused. Discussing on what exact level of incompetence the RTP is operating doesn't help either and can't defer from the fact that incompetence is the key to why the perpetrators haven't yet been caught. We all know that all around the world by now each call, each email, each posting, everything is recorded and stored. But the call made by the bomber while getting away from the crime scene on a motorbike taxi can't be traced, especially as there is such a short time window? Give me a break!

I don't think I destroyed the thread I focused on what you were focusing ridiculing the country you are residing in so I'm just ridiculing the US authorities for their incompetence

[Chao Lao Beach]

If they really wanted to catch these terrorist then they would have asked and/or accepted help from Western intelligence agencies that have more experience and expertise.

Um, you are on planet Thailand, not Farlang land.

[yuv06]

If they really wanted to catch these terrorist then they would have asked and/or accepted help from Western intelligence agencies that have more experience and expertise.

Um, you are on planet Thailand, not Farlang land.

You must be really full of it read the news they already contacted and discuss this crises with other countries