Seven Bombs Go Off In Bangkok - New Year Countdown Cancelled

[jexon]

I was at the Central World Countdown show before it was cancelled. And I was shocked when I read about the bomb that went off there around midnight. Just thankful that it didn't go off when the huge crowd was there. A big fortune in all this misfortune. My thoughts and prayers go out to all affected by these acts of terror.

I'll do my part too. I'll be back by Feb or April. See you soon, Thailand.

[stepenwolf1958]

This is terrible i feel so sorry for all these people I am waching this on the news from Africa. My family and I have lived in Thailand for 18 years on and off my daughter was born here and my son has lived here for most of his 8 years. when the Bali boming took place threats were made against expat schools in asia and in Thailand ours had to hire an armed poiceman for six months because of the parents concers, what will happen now I can tell you for me with great regret i called my wife and family today and asked if they wishh to leave. We have decided to go enough is enough thailand is spiraling down hill the new regime may be as bad as the old i fear for the counry and what is next Civil war, i think we all know the people fueling it today is a very sad day the land of smiles may soon be one of tears.

The bombings are a terrible tragedy, but it is an ill wind that blows no good, and in this case the good news is that we will soon be rid of some panicky farangs that should not have lived here in the first place.

Very strange post.

Why shouldn't people be concerned with their personal safety?

For many farangs it is probably not much of an issue as they can leave the country whenever they like.

Unfortunately for the locals they are stuck with the situation.

Maybe we should sent you out into the streets of Iraq for a few days and you might have a better understanding of personal safety issues.

Every time something bad happens in Thailand the forum comes alight with farangs decrying how Thailand is becoming dangerous and they may no longer want to live here. Rather than Thailand becoming an appreciably more dangerous place, I think these people are just awaking to the fact that Thailand is not, nor has it ever been, the Land of Smiles, and that it has problems just like many other countries. There have been many bombings in Thailand over the years, including the downing of a Cathay Pacific plane by bomb, multiple bombings of the Hat Yai railway station dating back to the 1980s, and bombings in department stores during the 80s.

I think that if a few bombs make you decide to leave Thailand the country is better off without you so good riddance.

Your suggestion that I visit Iraq to get an idea of personal safety makes no sense. Are you suggesting that the situations in Iraq and Thailand are somehow comparable??

What i am suggesting is that you lack any sensitivity to how others percieve issues of personal safety. It is a normal reaction to feel insecure or worried or concerned when law and order issues arise like the indiscriminate bombings of the other night.

Making gratuitous comments like 'good riddance' and 'this case the good news is that we will soon be rid of some panicky farangs that should not have lived here in the first place.' only serves to highlight your lack of understanding of one of the real concerns most people have in life and that is their own personal safety. You might be Rambo behind the keyboard but it would be interesting to see how you reacted if you or close friends or family were affected by such incidents.

I am not lacking in sensitivity, but I am lacking in patience with those who panic at the news of any untoward event. There is a 'type' overpopulating these forums who have unrealistic expectations of Thailand, and freak out whenever their unrealistic views are contaminated by reality. I am insensitive to those people, yes.

I can tell you exactly how I would react in an event like this because I have had a family member affected by an incident like this. My mother was severely wounded by a suicide bomber several years ago--Asian country and year to be unnamed for privacy purposes. I was very distressed, and immediately flew to her bedside and stayed there for a week. But that incident did not lead either myself, nor my mother (in hospital 2+ months), to make panicky decisions about our personal safety that were not based on any realistic assessment of personal danger. Thanks for asking.

I am not a Rambo type, far from it. However, I am also not a sniveling coward who will let some idiots with bombs chase me away from here or anywhere I want to be. If you want to run--good for you, but just do it and spare us the whinging.

One more thing. Whatever happened to 'stiff upper lip' and 'mustn't grumble'?

Panic is one of the expectation of those who put the bombs...Leaving the country will not change anything, will not bring any better....and wherever you go, you might face the same problem sooner or later, or an earthquake, tsunami, etc....or tax increase,...no perfect world in this world....best way is to live as usual, and not to think too much

Exactly,i agree with you...Good observation...

[LaoPo]

Thaksin denies Thai blasts link

(from Beijing)

""I strongly condemn this act [of bombing] and I swear that I never ever think of hurting the people and destroying the country's credibility for my own political gain," he said in a handwritten letter given to reporters."

source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6225363.stm

which was updated "Tuesday, 2 January 2007, 15:48 GMT "

LaoPo

Edited January 2, 2007 by LaoPo

[qualtrough]

Thaksin denies Thai blasts link

(from Beijing)

""I strongly condemn this act [of bombing] and I swear that I never ever think of hurting the people and destroying the country's credibility for my own political gain," he said in a handwritten letter given to reporters."

source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6225363.stm

which was updated "Tuesday, 2 January 2007, 15:48 GMT "

LaoPo

Well, that settles it then!

[aaaaaa]

at least Thaksin did also a lot of good for the country, instead of totally crashing the stock market !!

How can anybody ever be in favor of a military dictatorship ??

I agree - at least during Thaksin's time there were no bombs in Bangkok. even in his worst times when Sonthi #2 and Co were marching in thousands on streets yealling "ok pai!" in his address, he didn't use such a dirty stuff as trying to scare people with bombs in Bkk.

I think what he said in his open letter sent today is fair enough:

Thaksin said in his letter that he would return to Thailand to face "any allegations" if he was tried by a justice system that adheres to international standards.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/03...es_30023157.php

I mean - if it was him, let those guy who say so provide legit evidences and then call him for legit trial - guy said he is ready to face it ! unlike those a$$holes who realy did it and will never even take a responsibility.

at least those whatver muslim terrorists elsewhere, they DO claim responcibilities for their terror acts - as a men, not a bunch of loosers ! but here, most likely even IF the "mystery of who's behind bombings" will be ever solved, the big chance is that the NAMES will never be given - what to speak of persons bearing those names being punished.

I think Thaksin could use a pile or two of his money, hire some professional private detectives, PROOVE who are real criminals and in such a way help find the truth, and it is the best way for him to clear his own name too. It is not a big deal for him - to pay some profis, he's got enough money and connections. and he could render a good blow to all the rivals too.

let's see what'll happen. he already said he feels like he has to come back and settle this matter - or something like that.

Edited January 2, 2007 by aaaaaa

[Canadian-Jesse]

Wow... this is a whole lot of crazy wrapped up in a whole lot of <deleted>.

[Drafi]

Thaksin said in his letter that he would return to Thailand to face "any allegations" if he was tried by a justice system that adheres to international standards.

I wonder why he doesn't have faith in the system created by himself?

[backflip]

"I think Thaksin could use a pile or two of his money, hire some professional private detectives, PROOVE who are real criminals and in such a way help find the truth, and it is the best way for him to clear his own name too."

As much as you apparently dislike the former PM, he's innocent until proven guilty...not vice versa.

[birago23]

There was just now rumours of some bombs at Lad Prao, but not confirmed yet.

A big number of soldiers are around Silom Complex at the moment....

anybody knows whats going on?

[apetley]

Bomb scare at Kanchanaburi bus station right now.

Bit of panic, alot of police and military so they were quick off the mark.

Cameras so maybe see myself on tv later!

[Jai Dee]

Social Development and Human Security Minister says society is in a worrying state following BKK blasts

Social Development and Human Security Minister Paiboon Wattanasiritham pointed out that the string of bomb blasts in Bangkok on December 31st 2006 originated from the accumulating conflicts together with the use of force. Therefore, all sides have to be mindful and apply peaceful and reconciliation methods to solve the problems.

This morning, Mr. Paiboon called a meeting with relevant units to discuss the problems following the explosions last Sunday. Mr. Paiboon viewed that the society at the moment is in a worrying state.

Mr. Paiboon refused to comment about Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont’s remark that the offender behind such atrocious act was a political group that lost certain benefits. However, he said he is responsible for creating unity in the society.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

CNS says it not jump to conclusion on its own

The secretary-general of the Council for National Security denied Wednesday that it had jumped to conclusion that power losers were behind the string of New Year Eve bomb attacks in Bangkok.

Gen Winai Phatthiyakul, permanent secretary for Defence and CNS secretary-general, was responding to criticism of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Winai said the CNS did not make its own conclusion but the theory was based on information and evidences compiled by government agencies concerned.

CNS chairman Gen Sonthi Boonyaratglin and Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said those who lost political benefits were behind the bomb attacks. Thakin cried foul, saying he was discredited with such jumping to conclusion.

Source: The Nation -3 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

ICT ministry keeps mobile records on New Year Eve for possible checking

Information and Communications Minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom said Wednesday that his ministry had obtained mobile phone usage records on the night of New Year Eve until now for security agencies to check.

But he admitted that it could be hard to go through all the records as millions of calls were made Sunday night.

The ICT minister said security agencies have not yet asked the ICT ministry to check certain numbers yet.

Source: The Nation -3 January 2007

[Tony Clifton]

at least Thaksin did also a lot of good for the country, instead of totally crashing the stock market !!

How can anybody ever be in favor of a military dictatorship ??

I agree - at least during Thaksin's time there were no bombs in Bangkok. even in his worst times when Sonthi #2 and Co were marching in thousands on streets yealling "ok pai!" in his address, he didn't use such a dirty stuff as trying to scare people with bombs in Bkk.

I think what he said in his open letter sent today is fair enough:

Wait a minute, there were bombs during Thaksin's time. A few people have mentioned the absence of bombs during Thaksin's government. I remember two at least in the last year or two, probably forgetting a few more. One at Prem's residence, another at Khunying Pornthip Rojanasusant' office, the forensic expert.

The police (Pol. Lt Col. Thaksin's buddies) never found anyone responsible back then as well, of course. Wouldn't be surprised they are involved again. Would you trust the same corrupt to the bone police force that freed ex-convicts, yaba dealers , wiped their criminal record clean in return for beating up 65 and 70 year old PAD protesters at the World Plaza?

Edited January 3, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[Tolley]

This is terrible i feel so sorry for all these people I am waching this on the news from Africa. My family and I have lived in Thailand for 18 years on and off my daughter was born here and my son has lived here for most of his 8 years. when the Bali boming took place threats were made against expat schools in asia and in Thailand ours had to hire an armed poiceman for six months because of the parents concers, what will happen now I can tell you for me with great regret i called my wife and family today and asked if they wishh to leave. We have decided to go enough is enough thailand is spiraling down hill the new regime may be as bad as the old i fear for the counry and what is next Civil war, i think we all know the people fueling it today is a very sad day the land of smiles may soon be one of tears.

The bombings are a terrible tragedy, but it is an ill wind that blows no good, and in this case the good news is that we will soon be rid of some panicky farangs that should not have lived here in the first place.

Very strange post.

Why shouldn't people be concerned with their personal safety?

For many farangs it is probably not much of an issue as they can leave the country whenever they like.

Unfortunately for the locals they are stuck with the situation.

Maybe we should sent you out into the streets of Iraq for a few days and you might have a better understanding of personal safety issues.

Every time something bad happens in Thailand the forum comes alight with farangs decrying how Thailand is becoming dangerous and they may no longer want to live here. Rather than Thailand becoming an appreciably more dangerous place, I think these people are just awaking to the fact that Thailand is not, nor has it ever been, the Land of Smiles, and that it has problems just like many other countries. There have been many bombings in Thailand over the years, including the downing of a Cathay Pacific plane by bomb, multiple bombings of the Hat Yai railway station dating back to the 1980s, and bombings in department stores during the 80s.

I think that if a few bombs make you decide to leave Thailand the country is better off without you so good riddance.

Your suggestion that I visit Iraq to get an idea of personal safety makes no sense. Are you suggesting that the situations in Iraq and Thailand are somehow comparable??

What i am suggesting is that you lack any sensitivity to how others percieve issues of personal safety. It is a normal reaction to feel insecure or worried or concerned when law and order issues arise like the indiscriminate bombings of the other night.

Making gratuitous comments like 'good riddance' and 'this case the good news is that we will soon be rid of some panicky farangs that should not have lived here in the first place.' only serves to highlight your lack of understanding of one of the real concerns most people have in life and that is their own personal safety. You might be Rambo behind the keyboard but it would be interesting to see how you reacted if you or close friends or family were affected by such incidents.

I am not lacking in sensitivity, but I am lacking in patience with those who panic at the news of any untoward event. There is a 'type' overpopulating these forums who have unrealistic expectations of Thailand, and freak out whenever their unrealistic views are contaminated by reality. I am insensitive to those people, yes.

I can tell you exactly how I would react in an event like this because I have had a family member affected by an incident like this. My mother was severely wounded by a suicide bomber several years ago--Asian country and year to be unnamed for privacy purposes. I was very distressed, and immediately flew to her bedside and stayed there for a week. But that incident did not lead either myself, nor my mother (in hospital 2+ months), to make panicky decisions about our personal safety that were not based on any realistic assessment of personal danger. Thanks for asking.

I am not a Rambo type, far from it. However, I am also not a sniveling coward who will let some idiots with bombs chase me away from here or anywhere I want to be. If you want to run--good for you, but just do it and spare us the whinging.

One more thing. Whatever happened to 'stiff upper lip' and 'mustn't grumble'?

I am not running or going anywhere. It is not a huge issue for me because I lived in Saudia Arabia until last year so the security situation here is nowhere near what is was there.

I don't see many posters saying that they are cutting and running but what i do see is that posters are concerned with the situation.

'I am also not a sniveling coward who will let some idiots with bombs chase me away from here or anywhere I want to be. If you want to run--good for you, but just do it and spare us the whinging.'

Well goody for you. I always keep my options open. If my lifestyle was too severely affected or my health i would act accordingly.

I have not detected posters whinging on this forum rather they are expressing some concern over the security situation.

I think this is quite normal.

[Plus]

Wait a minute, there were bombs during Thaksin's time. A few people have mentioned the absence of bombs during Thaksin's government. I remember two at least in the last year or two, probably forgetting a few more. One at Prem's residence, another at Khunying Pornthip Rojanasusant' office, the forensic expert.

The police (Pol. Lt Col. Thaksin's buddies) never found anyone responsible back then as well, of course. Wouldn't be surprised they are involved again. Would you trust the same corrupt to the bone police force that freed ex-convicts, yaba dealers , wiped their criminal record clean in return for beating up 65 and 70 year old PAD protesters at the World Plaza?

Also a bomb at Santi Asoke temple, Chamlong's home base, at the height of PAD rallies.

Would anyone buy this logic - "return Thaksin so he won't bomb Bangkok again"?

[Jai Dee]

Insurgency still not being ruled out as cause of bomb blasts

Secretary-General to the Council for National Security (CNS) Winai Patthiyakul (วินัย ภัททิยะกุล) indicated that insurgency has not been ruled out as one of the causes leading to the bomb blasts in Bangkok.

Gen Winai said that investigations are still under way. Pol Gen Kowit Watana (โกวิท วัฒนะ), the Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police will be providing more concrete evidences leading to the traces of the bomb attacks and will report the case to Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and CNS.

Gen Winai attributes 'political matter' as one of the highest motivation behind the bomb attack ; however he has not ruled out insurgency as one of the causes behind the deadly attack.

Gen. Winai also request people to inform authorities if they find anything suspicious. But he also asked people not to make crank calls regarding the the recent bomb blasts as that would waste a lot of time for authorities.

Sources close to ousted premier Thaksin also shrugged off the insinuation that the latter had anything to do with the blast.

In response to news regarding the arrest of former prime minister Gen.Chavalit Yongchaiyudh (ชวลิต ยงใจยุทธ), Gen. Winai said that it was only a rumour.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Col. Akara informs that forces have been dispatched to ensure security in BKK

The Army Spokesman and chief of the public relations department of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), Col.Akara Thiprot (อัคร ทิพย์โรจน์) informed that additional forces have been deployed to ensure security throughout Bangkok. Col Akara also said he is confident that the city bombs were not related to insurgency in the Deep South.

Royal Thai Army (RTA) said that the perpetrators have not been arrested yet and has asked all Thais to help observe situation.

Col.Akara said he believes that insurgents in the Deep South has no reason to attack Bangkok as the city is not their target of interest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

ICT Minister: bomb blasts were not triggered by cell phones

Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) indicated that the recent bomb blasts on the last day of 2006, were not triggered by cell phones.

ICT Minister Sitthichai Phokai-udom (สิทธิชัย โภไคยอุดม) said the ministry has not inspected cell phone usage of those detonated the bombs as security units have not forward the names of the bomb suspects to the ministry. However, he admitted that the cell phone usage during New Year is difficult to track due to network busy.

After the attacks, the ministry has monitored cell phone usage around the clock.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[raro]

Wait a minute, there were bombs during Thaksin's time. A few people have mentioned the absence of bombs during Thaksin's government. I remember two at least in the last year or two, probably forgetting a few more. One at Prem's residence, another at Khunying Pornthip Rojanasusant' office, the forensic expert.

The police (Pol. Lt Col. Thaksin's buddies) never found anyone responsible back then as well, of course. Wouldn't be surprised they are involved again. Would you trust the same corrupt to the bone police force that freed ex-convicts, yaba dealers , wiped their criminal record clean in return for beating up 65 and 70 year old PAD protesters at the World Plaza?

Also a bomb at Santi Asoke temple, Chamlong's home base, at the height of PAD rallies.

Would anyone buy this logic - "return Thaksin so he won't bomb Bangkok again"?

and an exploded aircon unit in a 737 just after Taksin came to power

[londonthai]

and a blast on a government airplane which burned down the plane just one hour before taksin boarded

[Jai Dee]

Cabinet meeting appoints ISOC to monitor situations of violence

The Cabinet meeting today has issued a resolution appointing the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to monitor situations of violence in Bangkok.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont calls for people to inform ISOC of any irregularities found. On Friday January 12, the Cabinet will hold a meeting on security measures on the National Youth Day which will take place on January 13.

The premier said further that officials still have not found solid evidence leading to those who triggered bombs in Bangkok on December. 31. However, he affirmed that the masterminds of the bomb blasts are those who have lost power in politics.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[blaze]

"Would anyone buy this logic - "return Thaksin so he won't bomb Bangkok again"?"

Well, I suppose that logic might apply if the Thai government is the most cowardly in history. I have never heard of a military regime (or any other) stepping aside because two people were killed in a handful of random bombings. (Hand full relative to the scale of anti regime armed rebellions in, say, Burma.) Do you think Taksin thinks the military is that weak? That the Thai people are that cowardly?

Historically- small groups will engage in terrorist/guerilla activities against strong governments. The hope being that the gov't will suspend all civil rights, thus enraging the wider population and sparking widespread protest/insurrection. But if Taksin or his boys thought that suspension of civil rights would rouse the Thais to the barricades, the obvious question is, why haven't they been on the barricades since Sept? Suspension of civil rights- a 'military crackdown" is already in effect. No need to spur the military to more draconian measures.

Also given that this government has promised to step down in less than a year- and that it was doing a pretty good job of discrediting iteslf (a bit) without his help- it would make more sense that Taksin would take the moral high ground- unfamiliar territory to him, perhaps- but he's cunning- and should be able to figure that out. Stay quiet. Dont give interviews with foreign or local media. And after the dust clears - after a year of appointed gov't incompetence and bumbling, step back up to the plate as the shining one.

And he should also be smart enough to realize that if a pop bottle explodes at a 7/11 a lot of people- important people- media people are going to say "Taksin did it!" (Unless he doesn't read the Thai papers- or Thaivisa.com (joking).) And any chance of him ever becoming PM again would be nil. In fact a confession- however obtained- could literally be his death sentence when a new govt is elected next year. I just don't think he's that stupid.

He is also smart enough to know that if he can be 'shown in a court of law' to be funding any kind of insurrection, any assets he has here can, I think by international as well as local law, be seized or at least frozen. And courts of law in THailand rarely find against the most powerful people in the land. In favor of a deposed 'tyrant'.

Bombs going off in Bangkok are not new. They have been popping up for the twenty five years I been hanging around here- political conflicts- business conflicts- turf wars- so the fact that TRT supporters MAY have in the past, used bombs, does not mean that only TRT types use them as 'negotiating tools'.

So does the logic appeal? Not a whole lot- yet- all the above being said- there are some strange logics that do appeal in this country- such as the logic of the Democrat exec member quoted in todays Pst to the effect that if Taksin has nothing to hide why is he denying he is responsible. (Does THAT logic work?)

[Jai Dee]

Identity, motives of bombers still unknown

BANGKOK, Jan 3 (TNA) - Anti-government insurgents in Thailand's Deep South remain on the list of suspects in the bombings of public places throughout the capital on the New Year's Eve, even though the political conflict involving the previous Thaksin administration seemed more likely, Council for National Security secretary general Gen. Vinai Phatthiyakul commented Wednesday.

The CNS secretary general, who is concurrently permanent secretary for the Defense Ministry, said neither the military leaders nor the government had jumped to any conclusion without being informed by officials pertaining to the Bangkok bombings which left three persons dead and injured more than 30 others.

The authorities, who cited circumstantial evidence. witnesses and intelligence reports, had not ruled out the possibility that militants from the southernmost provinces could have been involved, but are inclined to believe that the political conflict between the previous regime and the current one carried more weight, Gen. Vinai said.

National Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana is scheduled to report Wednesday (January 3) on progress in the investigation on the incidents to Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont and CNS chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.

The CNS secretary general dismissed rumours that former prime minister Gen. Chavalit Yongchaiyudh had been detained for questioning following the New Year's Eve bombings, calling such hearsay ''unconstructive'' and sidestepped questions as to whether or not former deputy prime minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya had been also detained for similar reasons.

Declining comment on whether elements of the previous regime might have been involved in the bombings, Gen. Vinai suggested the media not press the authorities to pinpoint and arrest the suspects. He also asked the public to provide tips.

The CNS secretary general said it was easy for ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra -- currently staying in China -- to dismiss allegations of his involvement in the Bangkok bombings.

Source: TNA - 3 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Govt vows to hunt down the bombers

The Government has vowed to hunt down the bombers, while tightening up security measures for Children’s Day.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has assigned Internal Security Operations Committee (ISOC) to help cooperate and find proper preventive measures. People have been asked to help inform state authorities suspicious.

This Friday, a meeting will be held to lay out preventive measures for Children’s Day as well as informing plans for holding fairs.

As for the progress of the bomb case, the perpetrators cannot be indicated this moment but it is sure that the bomb was politically motivated.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Pol.Lt.Gen.Jongrak to find possible link between BKK bomb blasts and the southern restive situation

Pol.Lt.Gen.Jongrak Juthanon (จงรัก จุฑานนท์), the assistant commissioner-general of the Royal Thai Police, has gathered all bomb cases in Bangkok Province to find possible links between the Bangkok bomb blasts and the southern restive situation.

Pol.Lt.Gen.Jongrak revealed that the bombing incidents in Bangkok and Nonthaburi (นนทบุรี) Province will be seperated. He refused to disclose further details of sketched images of suspects. He said that it is up to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) whether it will disclose details of suspects or not.

As for Children’s Day, he said that policemen and authorities will cooperate together to ensure security.

Pol.Lt.Gen.Jongrak has warned people who make crank calls to stop such actions; otherwise, they will be punished according to the law.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 January 2007

[qualtrough]

I am not running or going anywhere. It is not a huge issue for me because I lived in Saudia Arabia until last year so the security situation here is nowhere near what is was there.

I don't see many posters saying that they are cutting and running but what i do see is that posters are concerned with the situation.

'I am also not a sniveling coward who will let some idiots with bombs chase me away from here or anywhere I want to be. If you want to run--good for you, but just do it and spare us the whinging.'

Well goody for you. I always keep my options open. If my lifestyle was too severely affected or my health i would act accordingly.

I have not detected posters whinging on this forum rather they are expressing some concern over the security situation.

I think this is quite normal.

Tolley, my post was not directed at you, but at khunstuart, who decided 'enough was enough' and was moving with his family out of Thailand after some 18 years. Of course that is his decision to make, but I think it is a gross overreaction at this point, and indicative of the panicky behavior I was referring to.

Edited January 3, 2007 by qualtrough

[Gary A]

Today I had a nice conversation with a very astute Thai gentleman. He is an older guy who speaks VERY good English. He told me that it wasn't radical Islamists, nor did Thaksin have anything to do with it. He places the blame squarely on the party that has the most to gain. The Thai Democrats. I know very little about Thai politics so I just listened. Apparently the Democrats hope to benefit by allowing people to blame TRT and to discredit the present government for not controlling the problems. ????

[Tony Clifton]

I wonder who that older guy voted for the last two elections?

[noctiluca]

Today I had a nice conversation with a very astute Thai gentleman. He is an older guy who speaks VERY good English. He told me that it wasn't radical Islamists, nor did Thaksin have anything to do with it. He places the blame squarely on the party that has the most to gain. The Thai Democrats. I know very little about Thai politics so I just listened. Apparently the Democrats hope to benefit by allowing people to blame TRT and to discredit the present government for not controlling the problems. ????

Being OLDER and speak VERY good English does not equate good logic and reasoning. We all know look can be deceiving. Just to point that out. It really depends who you are talking to.