Three More Bombs Explode At Central World, Pratunam, Khao Sarn Road

[george]

Three more bombs explode at Central World, Pratunam, Khao Sarn Road

Full story:

BANGKOK: -- Three more bombs exploded in the heart of Bangkok once the new year started, severely injuring many foreign tourists.

The two bombs exploded nearly at the same time seconds after the new year started and another bomb exploded about half an hour after midnight.

The first bomb exploded at the Best Sea Foods restaurant on the Saen Saeb Canal near the Pratunam Pier.

Two foreigners and a Thai were injured. One of the foreigners had one leg amputated by the blast. The foreign tourists were having dinner at the restaurant.

Police said the bomb was hidden in a tire at the pier.

The second bomb exploded at a public telephone booth at the pedestrian flyover linking Central World and Kesorn Plaza. Several foreigners were injured and rushed to hospitals.

The third bomb exploded at the Buddy Bar on Khao Sarn Road.

-- The Nation 2006-12-31

[george]

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

[Viking]

Who would gain from an action such as this? Not an easy Q but Muslims would not and Thaksin would not. I think the plot for separatists from the north is to try and make this look like a Muslim action! Then the present administration will get the blame for being unable to control the situation in the South. A great deal of the posters here is currently playing right into the hands of these assassinators!

It’s obvious isn’t it?

No it isn’t! Just another guess!

Viking

[george]

String of blasts rock Bangkok, killing 2

New Year's Eve parties cancelled / Rumours point to 'undercurrents' / Police, military out in force around country

Police and military personnel were scrambling to find out who was behind what seems to have been a coordinated bomb attack in the capital last night that left two people dead and more than 20 people injured.

Bangkok was rocked by six explosions early in the evening at widely separate parts of the city, completely disrupting New Year's Eve celebrations. Tens of thousands of alarmed people swarmed out of the city centre hours before midnight after the capital's major parties were cancelled.

One person was killed and at least 17 injured when a powerful bomb went off at the Victory Monument at about 6.30pm. The blast ripped through bus stops, shattering windows at a restaurant and sent debris flying in all directions. The dead man was identified as Songkran Kanjana. His age was not known.

"Bodies were scattered all over the place. I didn't know who to help first," an eyewitness told TV reporters. The second fatality was Suwitchai Nakiem, 61, who was killed by a blast near the Na Ranong intersection in the Klong Toei area. The bomb, which was hidden in a trash can near a Chinese spirit shrine, injured three pedestrians and caused a number of cooking-gas cylinders kept nearby to also explode.

Two people were injured in a blast at the Saphan Kwai intersection. Witnesses said they saw a man drop a grenade from a pedestrian bridge onto a police booth below. Residue of C4 and TNT explosives were found at the scene, an television reporter said, quoting an unnamed military source.

A bomb was found in a dustbin outside a gold shop on the first floor of Seacon Square shopping mall on Srinakharin Road. It was removed to the parking lot and went off harmlessly when no one was standing near. The blast created panic among the roughly 10,000 shoppers in the mall at the time, who were ordered to evacuate. All outlets in the mall were ordered to close their shutters.

There were blasts at two police booths, one at the Khae Rai intersection in Nonthaburi province just north of Bangkok, where police said the closed circuit TV monitors went out of action about 3 hours before. The other was at the entrance of Sukhumvit Road Soi 62. No injuries were reported.

The explosions brought a swift reaction from police around the country. Military personnel were called out in a number of centres to assist police with security.

Speaking at a press conference called two hours after the first bomb went off, police spokesman Pol General Ajiravid Subarnbhesaj said the coordinated blasts were intended to "create chaos".

Few sources were prepared to comment openly on the source of the explosions. Speculation was rife that it was an insurgent attack from the South, given the timing of the bombings. But most intelligence sources were emphatic that it was connected to the "undercurrents" of post-coup political tension.

Soldiers were posted at some of the blast sites, while major shopping complexes, including the Central Chidlom and Siam Paragon, closed their doors early.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Wallop Suwandee announced that the New Year's eve countdown celebrations planned at Sanam Luang had been cancelled. The Central World Shopping Centre, where another major count-down venue was designated, also cancelled the event. But revellers at the CentralWorld plaza were reluctant to call it quits and dragged the party on for another two hours after its cancellation.

Government Spokesman Yongyuth Malyalarp urged the public to remain calm and said the police had been instructed to stay on high alert, especially in areas where large gatherings of people were expected take part in the New Year countdown.

"Police reinforcements have been sent to various areas of the city. We urge the public to remain calm, continue with the celebrations, but at the same time keep a lookout for any irregularities," Yongyuth said.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont is keeping a close watch on the situation as it develops, he said. Surayud late last night visited some of the wounded at Rajvithi Hospital.

The New Year's eve bombings capped a year of unrest in the nation, with political turmoil that was capped by a coup d'etat three months ago and an ongoing insurgency in the Malay-speaking deep South.

More than 20 public schools, mostly in the North and Northeast, have been torched in the past three months. Authorities suspect fires may have been politically motivated arson attacks.

--The Nation 2007-01-01

[george]

BTS cancels plan to operate throughout night

The Bangkok Transit System announced that it would run its skytrain services until midnight, instead of till dawn as earlier planned.

-- The Nation 2007-01-01

[cclub75]

The third bomb exploded at the Buddy Bar on Khao Sarn Road.

-- The Nation 2006-12-31

Nation says now : "A suspected bomb was located at the Buddy Bar on Khao Sarn Road about half an hour after midnight and tourists were evacuated from the area.

By 1 am, police also disposed another bomb at the Lumpini Night Bazaar before it explodes."

[englishoak]

Thoughts r with all victims. Hope this is not the start of another upsurge of bombings.

[george]

Summary:

Bit of a breakdown from Scandasia and Ron..with thanks..

Explosives went off almost simultaneously in several places accross Bangkok at around 18:00 local time, injuring at least 20 people as the Thai capital had just started celebrating New Year's eve. This news will be continuously updated as more details become available.

By Gregers Moller (from Scandasia ...with Thanks)

Year end revellers leav the Seacon Square shopping comple. All public parties were cancelled. The largest at Central World in Bangkok reported the lost income to be around 30 mill baht.

At Anusawari Chai / Victiry monument the most people were injured.

Police gathering evidence at the bomb scene near the Victory monument.

An injured person receives treatment at the Rachawithi Hospital at the Victory Monument.

Around 18:00 on Sunday evening local time in Bangkok, bombs exploded in several places acccross the Thai capital killing several people and injuring many more. All public Count-Down-Parties across the city has been cancelled.

The first bomb exploded at 17:47. The number of bombs and the size of the damage may be wrongly reported by the sources used for the following report, based on Thai news sources. Feel free to call the mobile phone of Editor Gregers Moller +66 8 1629 0117 if you have corrections or first hand knowledge of any further details.

The bombs reportedly exploded in the following locations:

Victory Monument (in Thai "Anusawari Chai")

- Time: about 6.30 pm

- The bomb was near a bus station outside the Dok Yai bookstore.

- The bomb was placed in a trashcan

- A tree broke in the explosion

- 15 injured, reported as 9 females and 4 male

- 1 Thai national, Mr. Songkran Kanchana killed as confirmed by authorities

Saphan Kwai

- Near the Big C supermarket

- A witness saw a man dropped a grenade from a pedestrian bridge just over the police box.

- The roof of the police box has a big hole.

- 2 people injured

- 1 person seriously injured.

Saphan Kwai BTS station

- Bomb found before it exploded.

Seacon Square

- Time 18:42

- At the Seacon Square Shopping Mall, a loud explosion went off at the parking space, creating a panic but no injury.

- Authorities ordered all shoppers to evacuate the mall, one of Bangkok largest, and all shops to close down for business.

- The explosion was at the motorcycle parking lot.

- No injuries reported.

In Seacon Square, a cleaner saw a can of potato chips of the Sprinkle brand. She took it with the intention of eating it, but then noticed there was a cable into the can. She then gave the can to a security guard, Mr. Vitoon Imnapae who took it outside to the small park. Here, he placed it on the ground and walked back to find a tire to lay around it to protect it if it was a bomb. Then it exploded. A person walking neaby got hurt.

Klong Toey

- Bomb exploded at the fresh market near the Na Ranong intersection.

- The bomb was hidden in a trash can near a Chinese spirit shrine exploded.

- The explosion caused a secondary explosion to a number of cookinggas cylinders that were situated nearby.

- 5 people injured, four adults and one girl 12 years hit in the leg

- Update 20.45: 7 injured

- 2 people reportedly killed

Khae Rai

- Bomb exploded at the Khae Rai intersection in Nonthaburi province just north of Bangkok

- The bomb was placed in a trash can near the police box

- No injuries.

- Police said the closed circuit TV monitors went out of action about 3 hours before.

Sukhumvit Soi 62

- Time: 18:30

- The bomb exploded at thre expressway intersection

- Glas shattered in two houses.

- One car which had just come down from the express way was damaged.

- No reported injuries

Yaowarat

- Time 18:50

Macro on Chaengwattana

Confusion:

- Reported bomb said to be an empty threat.

- Update: Bomb did explode, not a hoax.

Major Cineplex, Rachayothin

- The bomb was reported at around 21.00

- The bomb was placed in a trashcan on second floor in the car park.

As the news broke, all department stores in Bangkok asked customers to leave and closed down.

The Bangkok Skytrain system, BTS and the Subway train system, MRT, announced that they would keep running untill 12 midnight the 31 December and open again 6 o'clock.

Thai Airways say they have increased safety measures. More vigil checking of luggage and safety checking onboard the planes. All flights have moved check in times forward to be 2 hours before departure.

Government's spokesman Yongyuth Malyalarp urged the public to remain calm, adding that police officers have been instructed to stay on high alert, including areas where high concentration of people are expected to take part in the New Year's count down.

"Police reinforcement have been sent to various areas in the city. We urged the public to remain calm, continue with the celebration but at the same time keep a look out for any irregularities," Yongyuth said.

Thai New Agency quoted Surayud as asking people wishing to join new year party on Sunday night to avoid crowded areas.

The premier has ordered all security officers; police and soldiers, to reinforce in many areas in Bangkok. He ordered crime scene inspectors to collect all evidences from the attack scenes in order to know which groups mastermind the attacks. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Surayudh visited injured people at the Rachawithi Hospital and from there he went to Chulalongkorn Hospital where other injured were hospitalized.

Soldiers manned security check points at several MRT and BTS stations. Througout the city and its suburbs, many road intersections had soldiers deployed.

Elsewhere in Thailand, the news resulted in count down parties to be cancelled in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.

Midnight bomb attacks

Close to midnight two more bombs exploded near the main planned count down event outside Central World. Several foreigners were seriously injured. They were taken to Police Hospital and Rachawithi Hospital.

One bomb went off near the bridge over Klong Saen Saep crossing over to Pradoo Nam and the other was near the walk over to the Gaysorn Plaza opposite the square.

Central World at the Pradoo Nam harbour on the Klong Saen Saep

- Time: 00.04

- The bom exploded at the stop for passenger pick up trucks.

- Police say the bomb was hidden in the bumper tire in a car on the pier.

- 7 people injured. 6 people are foreigners, one person Thai.

- Road and intersection has been sealed off.

The Police Hospital informed at 01.10 that the nationalities of the injured were:

Serbia - 2 persons

UK - 1 person

US - 1 person

Hungary - 1 person

Thai - 1 person

Big C in Rajadamri

- A suspected bomb in a plastic bag outside a Telewiz shop on 1st floor turned out to contain just garbage.

Khao San

- A suspected bomb in Buddy Bar turned out to be false alarm.

Lumpini Night Bazaar

- A suspected bomb Bar turned out to be false alarm.

Who did it?

The police say they suspect people discontent with the military coup in September to be behind the attacks. The police does not believe it was people in the south of Thailand who have been exploding bombs and setting schools on fire who were behind the attack. sad.gif

2006-12-31

Source: Rinrada, Scandasia and Ron (thanks!)

[george]

Photos:

http://www.2bangkok.com/06/bangkok-bombs.shtml

[Loz]

We live in interesting times...

Happy new year to everyone!!!

May 2007 see a route out of the violence and to a more peaceable road for all.

I pray that all those affected by the recent tragedy are swift to recover and not too badly scared by the events.

Loz

[farangsay]

Just for a little bit of perspective.

Title of another news thrad here.

"New Year's road toll rises to 179 dead in 3 days"

I abhor what has happened this night and feel

for the bereaved (and more so for some of the

"injured" because bomb injuries can be horrific)

but refuse to submit to the panic and confusion

the perpetrators wished to create.

[LifeConvo]

Just for a little bit of perspective.

Title of another news thrad here.

"New Year's road toll rises to 179 dead in 3 days"

I abhor what has happened this night and feel

for the bereaved (and more so for some of the

"injured" because bomb injuries can be horrific)

but refuse to submit to the panic and confusion

the perpetrators wished to create.

Indeed, there is minimal risk when going out, the primary tactics being shock and awe, which seem to have worked.

[Ijustwannateach]

The targets and bombing style do not sound like the Muslim insurgency. That only leaves one obvious source.

[dukkha]

And the obvious reply Ajarn IJWT IS.......????????

[khunmarc]

Thailand will never been the same regardless who did it

be ready to see starving tourist joint all winter

the thai police well they couldnt catch a cold in the midle of an epidimic anyway

Sad day for all

Summary:

Bit of a breakdown from Scandasia and Ron..with thanks..

Explosives went off almost simultaneously in several places accross Bangkok at around 18:00 local time, injuring at least 20 people as the Thai capital had just started celebrating New Year's eve. This news will be continuously updated as more details become available.

By Gregers Moller (from Scandasia ...with Thanks)

Year end revellers leav the Seacon Square shopping comple. All public parties were cancelled. The largest at Central World in Bangkok reported the lost income to be around 30 mill baht.

At Anusawari Chai / Victiry monument the most people were injured.

Police gathering evidence at the bomb scene near the Victory monument.

An injured person receives treatment at the Rachawithi Hospital at the Victory Monument.

Around 18:00 on Sunday evening local time in Bangkok, bombs exploded in several places acccross the Thai capital killing several people and injuring many more. All public Count-Down-Parties across the city has been cancelled.

The first bomb exploded at 17:47. The number of bombs and the size of the damage may be wrongly reported by the sources used for the following report, based on Thai news sources. Feel free to call the mobile phone of Editor Gregers Moller +66 8 1629 0117 if you have corrections or first hand knowledge of any further details.

The bombs reportedly exploded in the following locations:

Victory Monument (in Thai "Anusawari Chai")

- Time: about 6.30 pm

- The bomb was near a bus station outside the Dok Yai bookstore.

- The bomb was placed in a trashcan

- A tree broke in the explosion

- 15 injured, reported as 9 females and 4 male

- 1 Thai national, Mr. Songkran Kanchana killed as confirmed by authorities

Saphan Kwai

- Near the Big C supermarket

- A witness saw a man dropped a grenade from a pedestrian bridge just over the police box.

- The roof of the police box has a big hole.

- 2 people injured

- 1 person seriously injured.

Saphan Kwai BTS station

- Bomb found before it exploded.

Seacon Square

- Time 18:42

- At the Seacon Square Shopping Mall, a loud explosion went off at the parking space, creating a panic but no injury.

- Authorities ordered all shoppers to evacuate the mall, one of Bangkok largest, and all shops to close down for business.

- The explosion was at the motorcycle parking lot.

- No injuries reported.

In Seacon Square, a cleaner saw a can of potato chips of the Sprinkle brand. She took it with the intention of eating it, but then noticed there was a cable into the can. She then gave the can to a security guard, Mr. Vitoon Imnapae who took it outside to the small park. Here, he placed it on the ground and walked back to find a tire to lay around it to protect it if it was a bomb. Then it exploded. A person walking neaby got hurt.

Klong Toey

- Bomb exploded at the fresh market near the Na Ranong intersection.

- The bomb was hidden in a trash can near a Chinese spirit shrine exploded.

- The explosion caused a secondary explosion to a number of cookinggas cylinders that were situated nearby.

- 5 people injured, four adults and one girl 12 years hit in the leg

- Update 20.45: 7 injured

- 2 people reportedly killed

Khae Rai

- Bomb exploded at the Khae Rai intersection in Nonthaburi province just north of Bangkok

- The bomb was placed in a trash can near the police box

- No injuries.

- Police said the closed circuit TV monitors went out of action about 3 hours before.

Sukhumvit Soi 62

- Time: 18:30

- The bomb exploded at thre expressway intersection

- Glas shattered in two houses.

- One car which had just come down from the express way was damaged.

- No reported injuries

Yaowarat

- Time 18:50

Macro on Chaengwattana

Confusion:

- Reported bomb said to be an empty threat.

- Update: Bomb did explode, not a hoax.

Major Cineplex, Rachayothin

- The bomb was reported at around 21.00

- The bomb was placed in a trashcan on second floor in the car park.

As the news broke, all department stores in Bangkok asked customers to leave and closed down.

The Bangkok Skytrain system, BTS and the Subway train system, MRT, announced that they would keep running untill 12 midnight the 31 December and open again 6 o'clock.

Thai Airways say they have increased safety measures. More vigil checking of luggage and safety checking onboard the planes. All flights have moved check in times forward to be 2 hours before departure.

Government's spokesman Yongyuth Malyalarp urged the public to remain calm, adding that police officers have been instructed to stay on high alert, including areas where high concentration of people are expected to take part in the New Year's count down.

"Police reinforcement have been sent to various areas in the city. We urged the public to remain calm, continue with the celebration but at the same time keep a look out for any irregularities," Yongyuth said.

Thai New Agency quoted Surayud as asking people wishing to join new year party on Sunday night to avoid crowded areas.

The premier has ordered all security officers; police and soldiers, to reinforce in many areas in Bangkok. He ordered crime scene inspectors to collect all evidences from the attack scenes in order to know which groups mastermind the attacks. Later in the evening, Prime Minister Surayudh visited injured people at the Rachawithi Hospital and from there he went to Chulalongkorn Hospital where other injured were hospitalized.

Soldiers manned security check points at several MRT and BTS stations. Througout the city and its suburbs, many road intersections had soldiers deployed.

Elsewhere in Thailand, the news resulted in count down parties to be cancelled in Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.

Midnight bomb attacks

Close to midnight two more bombs exploded near the main planned count down event outside Central World. Several foreigners were seriously injured. They were taken to Police Hospital and Rachawithi Hospital.

One bomb went off near the bridge over Klong Saen Saep crossing over to Pradoo Nam and the other was near the walk over to the Gaysorn Plaza opposite the square.

Central World at the Pradoo Nam harbour on the Klong Saen Saep

- Time: 00.04

- The bom exploded at the stop for passenger pick up trucks.

- Police say the bomb was hidden in the bumper tire in a car on the pier.

- 7 people injured. 6 people are foreigners, one person Thai.

- Road and intersection has been sealed off.

The Police Hospital informed at 01.10 that the nationalities of the injured were:

Serbia - 2 persons

UK - 1 person

US - 1 person

Hungary - 1 person

Thai - 1 person

Big C in Rajadamri

- A suspected bomb in a plastic bag outside a Telewiz shop on 1st floor turned out to contain just garbage.

Khao San

- A suspected bomb in Buddy Bar turned out to be false alarm.

Lumpini Night Bazaar

- A suspected bomb Bar turned out to be false alarm.

Who did it?

The police say they suspect people discontent with the military coup in September to be behind the attacks. The police does not believe it was people in the south of Thailand who have been exploding bombs and setting schools on fire who were behind the attack. sad.gif

2006-12-31

Source: Rinrada, Scandasia and Ron (thanks!)

[Snowdog]

Who would gain from an action such as this? Not an easy Q but Muslims would not and Thaksin would not. I think the plot for separatists from the north is to try and make this look like a Muslim action! Then the present administration will get the blame for being unable to control the situation in the South. A great deal of the posters here is currently playing right into the hands of these assassinators!

It’s obvious isn’t it?

No it isn’t! Just another guess!

Viking

Do you actually beleave what you posted.this definatly is an action from the muslim south.They even had hand gernades that they stoled from the armory down south.shouldn`t be to hard to trace the fragments back to the armory

[johnsurin]

i wonder why any prime targets to kill farangs didn't get hit! any ideas anyone? i dont think its political, perhaps more sinister or cowardly reasons might be the answer

[PATTAYAPUNTER]

Just got home from a large party in Pattaya on the beach in Naklua. There were many armed guards and police present. I'm not sure if this was typical of the rest of Pattaya but I'm positive Walking Street and especially Bali Hai Pier were swarming with uniformed and the ever present undercover officers.

We at the party heard of the BKK bombings as soon as they happened. My embassy even sent me a long text message on my phone to notify and warn. As you can see in my party photos, nobody seemed too worried on the beach.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=99229

[c_bangkok]

What kinds of bombs are these? Are they remotely controlled or do they have timers(I'd assumed the latter)? Grenades seem out of the q after the one found planted in a tire?

Whomever responsible has obvious access to the man power and materials, not to mention brains. A lot of preparation must've gone into this.

These are fear tactics; "The only thing to fear is fear itself."

Also, again, if/once a list of names is obtainable, please pass it on, thanks.

Edited December 31, 2006 by c_bangkok

[cclub75]

The targets and bombing style do not sound like the Muslim insurgency. That only leaves one obvious source.

If only everything was that simple.

Do you remember the circus in august, about the "real-fake bombing attempt" against Thaksin ? The car packed with explosives ? The poor soldier caught driving the car, making round circles close to Thaksin's residence ?

Did we get any follow up about this story ?

And the grenade attacks last spring ?

And the schools burned down since september ?

Violence, politically motivated or by business interests or simply face or personal matters, is epidemic in this country. And if we have the feeling that the situation is quite simple with a few differents forces like :

-south rebels

-pro thaksin

-new government

... actually, it could be far more complicated with many under-under or sub-sub-clique or divisions, and other people ready to change their affiliation in real time following the wind etc.

Anyway : at that point, we can't rule out the south. They used a lot of strings of small explosions/devices. And with the willing to talk shown by the new government, the violence didn't stop in the south.

An operation in Bangkok could be a clear message sent by the rebels, to push their advantage.

[cclub75]

Thailand will never been the same regardless who did it

be ready to see starving tourist joint all winter

Well, it's still a low intensity violence, especially by nowadays standards...

Not enough to break the government or push the tourists away.

However, I agree, there is the "novelty" factor (attacks in Bangkok). Even thought we have had previously some grenade attacks in Bangkok, and the real-fake car bombing attempt against Thaksin.

Anyway 2 strategies are possible :

-al quaida style : hundreds of deads (Bali, Madrid etc.), massive emotion with massive media coverage

-or a long term local campain of fear, with many small attacks like tonight

Obviously, the rebels in the south work with the second (bombs and murders). And the results are there : slowly but surely, they are pushing away thais boudhists. And when the south provinces will be 100 % muslim, then... well... you know.

[tropo]

I'm not sure if this was typical of the rest of Pattaya but I'm positive Walking Street and especially Bali Hai Pier were swarming with uniformed and the ever present undercover officers.

The police presence around Walking Street did not seem any greater than would normally be expected at New Year's celebrations...but they are short, therefore they don't stand out in a crowd.

[blaze]

Just talked to a cop who told me that tomorrow or the next day will be worse- on what basis he said that - I have no idea at all. Whether he was trying to just impress/scare me ( which didn't seem the case) or whether he 'knew something' I don't know.

But at least for a few days- could the mods keep one thread clear for news and allow the off shore analysists another? For those of us who live here, the term "breaking news" has taken on a whole new meaning.

[amigoro]

Just talked to a cop who told me that tomorrow or the next day will be worse- on what basis he said that - I have no idea at all. Whether he was trying to just impress/scare me ( which didn't seem the case) or whether he 'knew something' I don't know.

But at least for a few days- could the mods keep one thread clear for news and allow the off shore analysists another? For those of us who live here, the term "breaking news" has taken on a whole new meaning.

Could be. Knowing the skill of yer average terrorist, I would say that there could be other unexploded ordinance just waiting to go off at some random time. Until the Police can recover and diffuse every single one of those buggers, Bangkok want be safe.

[mcfester]

Just talked to a cop who told me that tomorrow or the next day will be worse- on what basis he said that - I have no idea at all. Whether he was trying to just impress/scare me ( which didn't seem the case) or whether he 'knew something' I don't know.

But at least for a few days- could the mods keep one thread clear for news and allow the off shore analysists another? For those of us who live here, the term "breaking news" has taken on a whole new meaning.

Good idea, a locked thread that only moderators can post factual news updates plz.

[yamaharr1]

Old power clique suspected of being behind Bangkok bomb attacks: source

A security source at the Government House said the old power clique was behind the simultaneous bomb attacks in Bangkok.

The source from an intelligence agency said the intelligence agencies had learnt about the plan of the old clique to create disturbance toward the year end.

The source said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont was on the standby in Bangkok because he expected the attacks.

The Nation

The Nation

Does this mean he knew about it beforehand and he didn’t even try to warn anyone ahead of time? If that is the case he should be held as responsible as the people who have placed the bombs.

[blaze]

Actually, I think you might have missed my point- your expertise in the skill levels of the average terrorist is, albeit acknoweledged, of little value in terms of information--- and perhaps left to another thread- say, the "why wax down there" one where it would be equally relevant.

In other words if you don't have fairly concrete information - could you leave this thread free for those who might?

[amarka]

Just talked to a cop who told me that tomorrow or the next day will be worse- on what basis he said that - I have no idea at all. Whether he was trying to just impress/scare me ( which didn't seem the case) or whether he 'knew something' I don't know.

But at least for a few days- could the mods keep one thread clear for news and allow the off shore analysists another? For those of us who live here, the term "breaking news" has taken on a whole new meaning.

Good idea, a locked thread that only moderators can post factual news updates plz.

hi....

or you could subscribe to e-mail alerts on thaivisa and get the updates automatically.....

amarka

[cclub75]

Does this mean he knew about it beforehand and he didn’t even try to warn anyone ahead of time? If that is the case he should be held as responsible as the people who have placed the bombs.

On a more pragmatic field.... I would say that it's just a... pose.

Typical from politicians who want to look like they are in control. When they are not.

[merlin1]

Sad.

Just saw the news report on tv here in Cda. It's so much worse somehow with the pictures of broken glass, blood-stainted road and cops looking through debris with flashlights.

It's only the start of a protracted political struggle in our beloved Thailand. It might be a replay of the mid-70s.