Seven Bombs Go Off In Bangkok - New Year Countdown Cancelled

[sting01]

Remember this is Thailand!!!

Please precise what you mean? I think I was clear enought in my 3 posts to deserve the whole of your thoughts. I ask, because I am supposing we are going to the same conclusion, but you simply do not express it completly

[silentx]

thank god my girlfriend is ok, nice to hear when you are 10.000km away

hope this will stop soon for everyone there, and they can, dispite this traggedy, can have a nice end of the year.

[faranginbkk]

I think in a case like this, if we want to know who is behind - the question to ask is who will BENEFIT most? I would say not the muslims in the South, and not Thaksin supporters...

[maba16]

well sir i think the thai police and army r not doing their job is i were them round up some muslim and see what will happen let see if they will talk and also i do know that they know who is behind this but they cant do anything because of political issue here

[JacknDanny]

Remember this is Thailand!!!

Please precise what you mean? I think I was clear enought in my 3 posts to deserve the whole of your thoughts. I ask, because I am supposing we are going to the same conclusion, but you simply do not express it completly

Im not sure we are going in the same direction.

If I was a member of the public out on the streets right now, the faith I have in the local Police Force is virtually nil.The army on the other hand have got specialists in this kind of situation. My this is Thailand quote referred to the fact that in other parts of the world, there would be more confidence in the Police

[The Boxer]

At this moment, who is responsible is a moot point (but let's hope they get them!). What is important is that people with hopes & dreams for the future are dead & injured. Some expecting a happy new year will never see 2007. My prayers go to the dead & injured & their families. And all of you in BKK, keep safe tonight.

True words - we are a long way off knowing the culprits and our thougts should be with those who will not be seeing the New Year in. Rang my wife who is Bangkok, I am stuck in Pattaya, she has returned safely from Central than goodness. It some way it makes me want to go back to my village in North Wales but I remember the 'idiots' and their fire bombing campaign against the English so where is the problem? Mans and now even more Womens attitutde to life without compassion. Until we have some real world leaders who are prepared to talk to anyone to solve a problem and not go in guns a blazing this world will sadly be unlikley to be a better place to live, yes statistics say you have more chance of getting killed in the home/kitchen but would it not be nice for man/women kind to get on and, politicians, they all seem to get corupted with power so where does it leave the normal person - if there is such. sorry what a gloom and doom New Year forecast

[rainman]

I just came back from Central World Plaza. Was planning on attending the countdown with my family but we decided to go home instead.

[JacknDanny]

Let's be realistic here. I think that most of us would agree that there are 2 possibilities as to who are behind this. 1. Islamist extremists; 2. Pro-Thaksin/anti-coup extremists. As of now, I am sort of 50-50 between the two but if I must choose one, I'd say the latter. Think about 9/11, Bali, Istanbul, Madrid, London, New Delhi bombings. These were massive terrorist acts and each killed dozens of people. Islamist extremists usually go for maximum damage.

Regards,

Jem

I agree

[george]

MCOT Update:

Festivities off as bombs disrupt Bangkok; two dead, 25 injured

BANGKOK: -- Two persons have been killed and at least 25 injured as a series of bombs or hand grenades exploded in at least six areas in the Thai capital and neighbouring province on New Year's Eve, police said.

Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin cancelled the Thai capital's New Year's Eve countdown at the downtown Central World shopping complex.

At least six bombs exploded across the city in the early evening, leading to quickly intensified security on the two light rail systems, the MRT Skytrain and the MRTA subway, and cancellations of varied celebrations.

The first bomb went off about 6 pm near a bus shelter at the Victory Monument followed by another nearby bomb shortly after.

Initially Bangkok Deputy Governor Wallop Suwandee said five persons, including one woman, were injured. One died later in hospital.

Another bomb was detonated at a crowded Klong Toey market, injuring seven people, one of them a ten-year-old girl, and a 61-year-old man who later succumbed to injuries at hospital.

Another bomb went off at a traffic police post near busy Saphan Kwai-Skytrain overpass intersection injuring 17 people, two seriously. Police cordoned off the area for further investigation and a squad of 20 soldiers was dispatched to the scene to ensure no further untoward incident.

A fourth bomb went off at a police box on Sukhumvit Road Soi 62. No one was injured. A police traffic post near a major intersection in Nonthaburi province, north of Bangkok was also hit by a bomb but no casaulties were reported.

Another bomb went off in the compound of the Tesco Lotus superstore at Prachachuen, while another was planted in a waste bin at Seacon Square Shopping Mall, in eastern suburban Bangkok, but a bomb-disposal squad defused the device before it exploded.

There was no immediate word on the bombers' identities or possible motive, but Government Spokesman Yongyuth Mayalarp told a news conference that the incidents were apparently the work of ill-intentioned people who wished to create disturbances in the country. He also urged the public to remain calm and alert police immediately for any irregularities.

The explosions took place as Bangkokians are celebrating the upcoming New Year. It was not immediately clear if the bombs had anything to do with the military coup of September 19 that ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra, or with continuing insurgency violence in the Muslim-predominant southern border region which has left more than 1,900 people dead since 2004.

--TNA 2006-12-31

[lucky6666]

It seems that the locations of these bombs was all in areas that are not generally associated with Westerners. They are more Thai areas. I think the Al-Queda Islamic bomber types usually for maximum damage to westerners dont you think?

So, I wouldnt expect this is from the Islamic groups

[1Lucky]

What a sad ending to the year - at least the casualty numbers seem fairly low but it must be devastating for those affected.

I find trying to fathom who did this and why very confusing, particularly given the targets chosen, but maybe I'm assuming they possess more rationality and intelligence than they actually do. I hope we never hear of their like again. I know people make the throwaway comment TiT to a lot of subjects on these boards. To me 'this is not thailand' and I hope it never is.

Personally the wife and I are staying in tonight - happy new year to everyone and I hope 2007 proves much more promising for LOS than 2006.

Lucky

[deminister]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

The Nation

[LaoPo]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

Source: The Nation - 31 December 2006

Thaksin behind the bombings...? That doesn't make sense since he would have cut-off a possible return to Thailand forever.

It's beginning to look like a '24'-scenario with Jack Bauer....

LaoPo

[AsiaCheese]

The reflexive Muslim-bashing in this thread is truly distasteful.

The identities of the perpetrators of these acts and their motives have not yet been established.

With the number of bombs going off in this world, what percentage would you tag as "non-muslim related"? 1%, 2%, what?...

[JacknDanny]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

Source: The Nation - 31 December 2006

Thaksin behind the bombings...? That doesn't make sense since he would have cut-off a possible return to Thailand forever.

It's beginning to look like a '24'-scenario with Jack Bauer....

LaoPo

But LaoPao, he is NEVER going to admit it!!!

He will just do a reverse spin on it and try and blame it on the present Govt as a way of preventing his return, PLUS it will detract attention from the ongoing investigations into his corruption charges. To me it has the stench of Thaksin all over it

[julie_f]

its now reporting on CNN that Chiang Mai has also cancelled its countdown

[londonthai]

With the number of bombs going off in this world, what percentage would you tag as "non-muslim related"? 1%, 2%, what?...

that would be 99% made in the usa and the rest for the rest of the world.

In Thailand I would always firstly suspect security services/govenment befind this job

[gburns57au]

One thing is obvious....this was not done to inflict mass deaths or injuries....it seems to be a headline grabbing stunt rather than a full on terrorist style attack...

My time is 2359 now so Happy New Year to you all....

2 hours to go in Thailand...go and have some fun

[faranginbkk]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

The Nation

So, who will BENEFIT most from the bombs? Not Thaksin, obviously.

"Soldiers will move in to restore control"

Makes the conclusion pretty obvious.

[jii]

that bombing at the lotus prachacheun i was planing on going there about 2 hours ago. but decided against due to lazyness. than afterwards found out about the bombing and did cancel all plans of going to a lotus. it is true that so far the places they have hit are defintely not places were westerners go to. that lotus ive seen about 2 westerners in it since it opened 3 years ago. and i do shopping once a week. that big c in sapan kwai ive also been to quite alot. that place has a few westerners in it. i think mostly from a few hotels in the area as many vietnam vets still hang around there as it was a big meeting place in the vietnam war peroid. at least to my knowledge.

what is a little bit ironic is that as every holiday 1000 pepole will die mostly from drunk driving. here we have a bomb attack everything canceled and most go home. so i bet the this season the carnage will go down. one thing too keep in perspective bombs dont really kill that many people they have a bigger effect of terrorizing all. whereas your chances of getting killed by some drunk driver tonight is way higher.

[sting01]

Remember this is Thailand!!!

Please precise what you mean? I think I was clear enought in my 3 posts to deserve the whole of your thoughts. I ask, because I am supposing we are going to the same conclusion, but you simply do not express it completly

Im not sure we are going in the same direction.

If I was a member of the public out on the streets right now, the faith I have in the local Police Force is virtually nil.The army on the other hand have got specialists in this kind of situation. My this is Thailand quote referred to the fact that in other parts of the world, there would be more confidence in the Police

Yes we do, Police is not the most respected service in thailand due several corruption problems, and Police is not also considered as efficient. For that we both agree.

What was the primary target of the bombs (if we can believe the reports at that time)? Police station mostly, the civilian casualities are only a collateral damage, and it was minimum , kept inside an acceptable poll (I do apologise here for the victims, who are /were not number but human people).

What is end result : disturbance of the publicservice maybe chaos, at a moment where people brain is not focuse on the reality. The casualities are light, and no symbol of the power in place is touch (but the less respected part of this power). On the other hand, everyone will agree it's time for a cleansing, who can accept bombs??????

Let say the following, a supposition not an affirmation : someone who have been in that business some time ago would certainly tell us it's a cover up ... something will come after in some days.

[JacknDanny]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

The Nation

So, who will BENEFIT most from the bombs? Not Thaksin, obviously.

"Soldiers will move in to restore control"

Makes the conclusion pretty obvious.

Because they have found his grubby little hands pulling the strings from behind the scenes!!!

Had they not found the evidence(whatever that may be) then Thaksin would have gained from it, least of all as it detracts attention from his corruption charges

Edited December 31, 2006 by JacknDanny

[onethailand]

All programming on TV and radio has reverted to its normal schedule. Needless to say, this is an amazing development - almost as if all broadcast media have been ordered to stop reporting updates.

[LifeConvo]

CNS may seize Thaksin's assets following bomb attacks: source

A security source said the Council for National Security may order the seizure of assets of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to cut money supply for financing disturbance in the country.

The source said the CNS believed Thaksin was behind the series of seven bomb attacks in Bangkok Sunday evening.

The source said the CNS noted many bombs were launched at police booths but none of police officers were injured.

The Nation

How do you install hate into a population of whom a large % still support Thuksin?

Blame the bombings on him, even though it would make no sense whatsoever for him to be behind such an act.

This is very strange.

Cut his money to stop funding? How much do they think a few small explosive devices cost?

Edited December 31, 2006 by LifeConvo

[Jai Dee]

People heading home early - photo from Thairath.

[HenryB]

The failure of the communists to make much progress during the 70 and 80s has been attributed by some to their decision not to carry out their struggle in Bangkok. If these bombings do turn out to be the work of southern separatists then it will mean that they have decided not to make the same mistake. Too early to know, and it could well be the same people burning schools in the NE that some link to Taksin supporters.

Maybe the bombers were communists. Anyway how sad to kill people with bombs.

[kayo]

This is getting 120 views a minute.

and increasing.

[Galong]

All programming on TV and radio has reverted to its normal schedule. Needless to say, this is an amazing development - almost as if all broadcast media have been ordered to stop reporting updates.

Good! The culprits want to scare people and distrupt the economy. Having pictures of bloody people and speculative information DOES NOT help us, it's a wonderful marketing tool for whomever is behind this. The media is a big part of the problem.

[Scottish Thailander]

I was shopping with the Mrs. in Kae Rai Tesco Lotus 90mins before they found the device there and 60 mins before the bomb across the road went of at the Kae Rai police box. Too close for comfort! Guess we'll be staying in tonight to be safe; anyway, all the fireworks displays here appear to be cancelled anyway!

Have a Happy New Year All!

[SamuiJens]

A very sad start to what should be a fun filled holiday, I dread to think what impact this will have on tourism.

Oh excellent, I'm due to travel to BKK next for a holiday! I thought I would be escaping all this terrorist shit in London for a couple of weeks

If you think YOU will be a victim, THEN STAY HOME, odds that it will hit you are low, BUT, if it's your time, it your time, and nothing can change that. If you stay home you can be killed in a car accident or other accidents OR terror actions. You just have to keep you eyes open and you'll have a good holiday, IMO. And if you stay home, "they" WIN and you LOOSE!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL AND MOST IMPORTANT PEACEFUL NEW YEAR!