Bomb Threats In Bangkok

[sriracha john]

Mr Noppadol also denied rumours that Mr Thaksin was behind the bombings in Bangkok on New Year's Eve -- by providing more than one billion baht to former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh to conduct violent activities.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=115787

The article also reports that Noppadol denies Thaksin is in Trat after sneaking across the Cambodian border...

[blaze]

All Bangkok police stations on standby to deal with bomb hoaxes

BANGKOK: -- The metropolitan police chief has instructed all 88 police stations in the capital to be on high alert to deal with callers who make bomb hoaxes.

Pol Col Phinit Maneerat, spokesman of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, said Pol Lt Gen Wiroj Chantharangsi gave the order after the 191 emergency police was overwhelmed with calls reporting bomb threats, which turned out to be hoaxes.

Phinit said the 191 police would report the calls to respective police stations to investigate and arrest the callers.

The spokesman also warned parents to ensure that their children would not make bomb plank calls for fun as the parents would also be liable to punishment with a maximum jail term of six months and/or a maximum fine of Bt20,000.

--The Nation 2007-01-06

Shortly before the coup, Khun Anand warned that Thailand was dangerously close to becoming a "failed state." How would he describe the current state of affairs? Business as usual? Back to normal? Heralding a golden age of democracy, social justice and civil order?

[hammered]

In the article LaoPo posted, the Defense Minister said that it was "highly likely" that they attacks were carried out by "men in uniform".

Does this mean that he believes there are factions in the Thai army responsible?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6230297.stm

It is well known that there are some elements in the military and more so in the police still loyal to Mr. Thaksin.

And it is very well known that the military is not just split between pro and anti Thaksin fractions. Things aren't that simple. The coup and Thaksin's fall and the resulting power vacuum have opened a hornet's nest here with almost anybody struggling for power, as was to be expected.

Wide spread fear and paranoia is not just in the interest for groups that want Thaksin back into power.

While it may be in the interest of some to still solely blame all of the present mess on Thaksin, this excuse though will not much longer hold up to reality. It maybe is high time for the government to deal with the problems of the country instead of only trying to "inculcate ideology to get over it (the value that worships money)", and otherwise just follow whatever Thaksin began, even coming up with more populist crap for lack of a practical vision for Thailand's future as part of a increasingly globalised world.

We may move straight back into the political turbulences of the 70s.

Colpyat I wouldnt disagree with that. However, this thread is about the bomb threats, and from what I am hearing from those who should know it is most likely that officers disadvantaged by the fall of Mr. Thaksin's government were involved in the incidents of the 31st. Whether he would have known or been involved in it I dont know. On the other hand if it comes to talk of another coup rather than bombs I am also hearing that this group of officers are the least likely to lead it, and as things stand at the moment a further coup if it happened would probably not be to return Mr. Thaksin.

With all the instability at the moment it is highly unlikely that the government will be able to introduce much in the way of new policies. In fact Thailand has been at a standstill pretty much since 2005 and it may even be optomistic to predict any change even in 2008.

Right now imho the best option is just for the presnt government to get through to the next set of elections under whatever constitution is put together, and hopefully this will be to the original schedule, and in the meantime hopefully violence will be minimized. Any other option seems only destined to lead to even more open violence. A worrying time will be when Gen Sonthi retires later this year which will be before elections.

All the Thaksin stuff needs to be dealt with but through the courts as do the party cases. It is interesting to note that at the moment most profesional politicians are keeping very quiet as things are being resolved or not as the case may be at levels of the elite that rarely get seen. The Nation has run some fairly interesting opinion pieces, that are linked in this thread, that seem to intimate total chaos unless a compromise is worked out between those feuding. We can only hope that the interests of the country come first and that things calm down from where they are now.

[ColPyat]

Colpyat I wouldnt disagree with that.

Mutual agreement there.

I wonder though who even knows anything, really, presently, about the bombs. I see speculation anywhere and everywhere.

Lets wait and see. I am rather sure that we gonna see some intersting times.

[sriracha john]

Man arrested for making false bomb alert to 191 police

Prapassorn Pornsurin, 30, was arrested at his house in Bangkok's Chomthong district at noon on Thursday.

Police said Prapassorn called the 191 emergency police on Wednesday to alert that a bomb had been planted in the police station.

After his arrest, Prapassorn admitted that he made the call out of dissatisfaction that the coup makers had ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, whom he liked, and that the interim government had stopped populist policies of Thaksin.

The Nation

Thaksin supporter and bomb-threat caller Prappasorn seems to be enjoying his adventures.

The Nation

Edited January 6, 2007 by sriracha john

[hammered]

Colpyat I wouldnt disagree with that.

Mutual agreement there.

I wonder though who even knows anything, really, presently, about the bombs. I see speculation anywhere and everywhere.

Lets wait and see. I am rather sure that we gonna see some intersting times.

To be honest I dont think we will ever be totally sure of anything, but yes we will see interesting times. It is all a little unpredictable.

[blaze]

Colpyat I wouldnt disagree with that.

Mutual agreement there.

I wonder though who even knows anything, really, presently, about the bombs. I see speculation anywhere and everywhere.

Lets wait and see. I am rather sure that we gonna see some intersting times.

To be honest I dont think we will ever be totally sure of anything, but yes we will see interesting times. It is all a little unpredictable.

The details may be unpredictable - but there is nothing unpredictable about the fact that people, when deprived of institutional channels through which to compete, will resort to violence. Whether or not the coup was justified- the warning bells were ringing loud to those who would listen. As has been stated before in these threads- those who don't know history will repeat history. Or maybe, as the Alman Brothers so well expressed it- some fools never learn.

[ratcatcher]

PHONE SEX?

[hammered]

A strong but interesting opinion from the Nation calling for decisiveness:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/07...on_30023461.php

While mostly commenting on the lack of willingnes of the police to do their job, frustration is shown when they drop the information in the following paragraph.

More importantly, the government will not have the manpower and resources to investigate and build up evidence to arrest the culprits responsible for the bombs - though it is widely known within inside circles who those criminals are and also their level of influence.

[Tony Clifton]

A long overdue flushing and reorganization of the entire police force is keeping things from moving forward in many aspects of Thai life. Most of it is simply an organized mafia in uniform. Shame on them for calling themseves ROYAL Thai police.

Another crooked traffic cop tried a stunt on us yesterday. I simply drove off after a short argument and while the scumbag extorted money from the truck drivers behind us. He never saw a thing.

[ColPyat]

A strong but interesting opinion from the Nation calling for decisiveness:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/07...on_30023461.php

While mostly commenting on the lack of willingnes of the police to do their job, frustration is shown when they drop the information in the following paragraph.

More importantly, the government will not have the manpower and resources to investigate and build up evidence to arrest the culprits responsible for the bombs - though it is widely known within inside circles who those criminals are and also their level of influence.

Seems that the writer there attempts to be Thailand's Rush Limbaugh. Would be nice then if the man shares some proof of what he claims to be widely known under "inside circles". Well other proof than such manly language as: "to act like wimps", and: "chickened out at the last minute", or: "they do not even have the guts".

A far more educating piece i find is this one, but it may be too complicated for some readers :

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webblog/vi...21&bid=1422

[hammered]

A strong but interesting opinion from the Nation calling for decisiveness:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/07...on_30023461.php

While mostly commenting on the lack of willingnes of the police to do their job, frustration is shown when they drop the information in the following paragraph.

More importantly, the government will not have the manpower and resources to investigate and build up evidence to arrest the culprits responsible for the bombs - though it is widely known within inside circles who those criminals are and also their level of influence.

Seems that the writer there attempts to be Thailand's Rush Limbaugh. Would be nice then if the man shares some proof of what he claims to be widely known under "inside circles". Well other proof than such manly language as: "to act like wimps", and: "chickened out at the last minute", or: "they do not even have the guts".

A far more educating piece i find is this one, but it may be too complicated for some readers :

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webblog/vi...21&bid=1422

The Avudh pieces - there are 3 or 4 of them - are always a good read and basically agree with the opinions the Nation are now publishing.

[Siripon]

I predict the police chief, Mr Kowit, will be seen the door very soon. To inspect the scene of the bombs yesterday, a full 5 days after the crime, can only be seen as apathy at its worst.

The police don't want reform, remember the threat a few weeks ago that 'the country will go up in flames' if they decentralise the police?- that was from a senior police figure.

In addition the corruption investigations are hurting certain members of the army.

Edited January 7, 2007 by Siripon

[John K]

A though occurred to me today and I was wondering if anyone else saw this the same way.

Thaksin never listened to anyone except himself and never accepted a method other than his own. Based on that personality trait would you agree that if Thaksin is involved in the bombs they were exactly to his instructions?

[Tony Clifton]

More likely that "his people" are still today ready to do anything for money and will improvise only to be rewarded later on. He surely enjoys the instability that comes afterwards at a cheap price.

Thaksin did hastily and publicly blame the bombs on the South. Should he ever be allowed back in, he surely is now a potential bombing victim himself.

[John K]

More likely that "his people" are still today ready to do anything for money and will improvise only to be rewarded later on. He surely enjoys the instability that comes afterwards at a cheap price.

Thaksin did hastily and publicly blame the bombs on the South. Should he ever be allowed back in, he surely is now a potential bombing victim himself.

Again based in understanding Thaksin rule #1. Reverse everything he says to get the true meaning.

[Jai Dee]

Fingerprint of bomb suspect discovered in front of Gaysorn Plaza

Royal Thai Police commissioner-general Kowit Watthana (โกวิท วัฒนะ) inspected the site of the New Year's eve explosion in front of Gaysorn Plaza (เกสรพลาซ่า) as disclosed that a fingerprint of a suspect has been collected.

Pol. Gen. Kowit Saturday checked on police affairs at the site, accompanied by Metropolitan Police 5 commander Anant Srihiran (อนันต์ ศรีหิรัญ), after having ordered increase in security measures for members of the public and tourists, at sites that pose risks.

The national police chief admitted that fingerprint evidence has been collected from the site, but it has yet to be determined whether the fingerprint belonged to the bomber. He said he is reporting the progression of the case to the prime minister every step of the way. Pol. Gen. Kowit also promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.

The national police chief also asked that the public help provide information to the policemen.

In regards to security provision for National Children's Day, Pol. Gen. Kowit insisted that this year's Children's Day festivities will commence smoothly.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - -8 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Medical condition of all 5 New Year's eve bomb victims have improved

The conditions of all 5 victims of the New Year's eve bomb blasts being treated at Rajavithi (ราชวิถี) hospital have improved.

The 5 people were admitted to the hospital on New Year's eve.

Ms. Patthama Rattanakot (ปัทมา รัตนคช), who is currently recovering at the female surgical ward, said her condition has improved and that the doctor has scheduled the removal of surgical threads tomorrow. She said she is no longer shocked over the incident but remains cautious of her safety. She said she will be more careful in her life when she is dismissed from hospital.

One person remains in the intensive care unit, but doctors expect him to be moved to the male surgical ward within this week.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - -8 January 2007

[Plus]

I don't think Thaksin would gamble on bombing Bangkok to gain sympathy. Speculations about "elements of the old regime" being involved reflect on him very badly.

There's no real challenge to CNS powers either, in fact the bombings and fagile security situation might serve as an excuse to strengthen their grip on power and prolong their rule.

There's no apparent winner in this, unless the campaign comletely misfired, just like the car-bomb plot in Thaksin's days.

If the bombers knew what they were doing, expect them to make serious demands anytime soon but keep the media comletely out of this. Who in his right mind would make his involvement public?

The scariest scenario is that Thaksin had actually gambled on bombing CNS out of power, as a way to turn the public against the generals and create power vacuum.

Internal struggles between army fractions or police would have little effect on general population but possible Thaksin's return can really lead to a civil war.

[Jai Dee]

PM Surayud says investigation on BKK bombings case has progressed

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont indicated that the investigation on the Bangkok bombings on December 31st 2006 has progressed well.

The Prime Minister disclosed the reason for meeting with the Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief and Council for National Security chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, this morning (Jan 8) at the Government House. Gen. Surayud said he reported the progress of the investigation on the Bangkok bombings case to Gen. Sonthi. He also said the officials have obtained certain evidence of the Bangkok bombings from the Close Circuit Television (CCTV), but he could not reveal of the responsible party behind the scene at the moment. However, the Prime Minister would like the officials to continue the investigation and time will not be set for them to identify the culprits because he would like them to perform their best on this case.

Gen. Surayud also would like the general public to cooperate with the officials by reporting traces as well as suspicious situations. He said they should not inform false clues to prevent potential mishaps in the future, especially on the National Children’s Day on January 13th. He warned public members of possible violence during the next several months and asked them to be more cautious of their surroundings.

The Prime Minister turned down the rumors on the dismissal of the Royal Thai Police commissioner-general following the small bombings in the capital. However, he only stated that all sides have to do their best since there are no performance indicators.

He said he and Gen. Sonthi did not talk about the three conditions for Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra if he will return to Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

[thai_narak]

I don't think Thaksin would gamble on bombing Bangkok to gain sympathy. Speculations about "elements of the old regime" being involved reflect on him very badly.

Why? One possible purpose of the bombing is to de-stabilized the current administration. If I were Thaksin, I would be laughing now that I see that the current administration being shaken by the incident. Stock market and businesses also down, hahahaha.... But that if I were him.

[John K]

I don't think Thaksin would gamble on bombing Bangkok to gain sympathy. Speculations about "elements of the old regime" being involved reflect on him very badly.

There's no real challenge to CNS powers either, in fact the bombings and fagile security situation might serve as an excuse to strengthen their grip on power and prolong their rule.

There's no apparent winner in this, unless the campaign comletely misfired, just like the car-bomb plot in Thaksin's days.

If the bombers knew what they were doing, expect them to make serious demands anytime soon but keep the media comletely out of this. Who in his right mind would make his involvement public?

The scariest scenario is that Thaksin had actually gambled on bombing CNS out of power, as a way to turn the public against the generals and create power vacuum.

Internal struggles between army fractions or police would have little effect on general population but possible Thaksin's return can really lead to a civil war.

It is a bit hard for me to put together a motive as I have been not following him a lot from mid October, but I can apply some of his personality traits and history. Thaksin tried to set up things that he was not only the CEO but the CPU of Thailand. The fact that Thailand did not fold and did not come on knees begging him to fix things more than likely is very unsettling to him. This bombs can be compared to a kick in the shin (no pun intended) to get a reaction and stir the pot. Pro or con the government is new and at the very least a bit shaky. One of the tasks they must do is undo a lot what Thaksin did. Also daily they need to deal with political sabotage designed to make the government look bad amongst other things. The bombs had the effect of showing just how superficial and shaky the government is today in the early stages.

My thinking is Thaksin is trying to express that the government is impotent and that only he can save the day. This matches his personality exactly if you can recall how he talks down to everyone. Enough of this and people will start to believe it and I saw that in a poll yesterday or today. Apparently knee jerk reactions appear to happen on all levels of Thai society. Perhaps just another fallout of the Thai education system.

[blaze]

PM Surayud says investigation on BKK bombings case has progressed

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont indicated that the investigation on the Bangkok bombings on December 31st 2006 has progressed well.

The Prime Minister disclosed the reason for meeting with the Royal Thai Army commander-in-chief and Council for National Security chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin, this morning (Jan 8) at the Government House. Gen. Surayud said he reported the progress of the investigation on the Bangkok bombings case to Gen. Sonthi. He also said the officials have obtained certain evidence of the Bangkok bombings from the Close Circuit Television (CCTV), but he could not reveal of the responsible party behind the scene at the moment. However, the Prime Minister would like the officials to continue the investigation and time will not be set for them to identify the culprits because he would like them to perform their best on this case.

Gen. Surayud also would like the general public to cooperate with the officials by reporting traces as well as suspicious situations. He said they should not inform false clues to prevent potential mishaps in the future, especially on the National Children’s Day on January 13th. He warned public members of possible violence during the next several months and asked them to be more cautious of their surroundings.

The Prime Minister turned down the rumors on the dismissal of the Royal Thai Police commissioner-general following the small bombings in the capital. However, he only stated that all sides have to do their best since there are no performance indicators.

He said he and Gen. Sonthi did not talk about the three conditions for Pol. Lt. Col. Thaksin Shinawatra if he will return to Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

"...bombings from the Close Circuit Television (CCTV), but he could not reveal of the responsible party behind the scene at the moment. "

In order to elect not to 'reveal' something, one must have knowledge of that thing. If they now have evidence of who the behind the scenes player is, and since this evidence derived from the CCTV clip, they must have at the very least, determined the identity of the AT the scene player. If so, why wouldn't they say so- that we 'can not reveal the identity of him either at the moment".

Or does the word 'reveal' lose something in the translation. Does it actually mean- "know' . And that completely changes the substance of the statement.

[jtp]

A long overdue flushing and reorganization of the entire police force is keeping things from moving forward in many aspects of Thai life. Most of it is simply an organized mafia in uniform. Shame on them for calling themseves ROYAL Thai police.

Another crooked traffic cop tried a stunt on us yesterday. I simply drove off after a short argument and while the scumbag extorted money from the truck drivers behind us. He never saw a thing.

Yes,why is this so common?I know exactly what you speak of,and it is an insult to be treated as an idiot by police attempting to extort money for "My version of the road rules"!Shame on them!

[cclub75]

You have to trust the thai police.

Prime Minister has just announced a total... breakthrough...

They have pictures of some suspects for the sunday's bombing... from security cameras' footages.

"Who is that, with the yellow shirt over there..."

-"Oh My Budha, it could be... Thaksin !

-"Yes Somchai, you're right. Definitely, it's him. I can recognize his nose"

-"Hum... And his haircut too".

Surayud said police would make the arrest soon and further investigate whether the suspects were linked to any group.

It's getting tasty....

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30023552

Edited January 8, 2007 by cclub75

[blaze]

You have to trust the thai police.

Prime Minister has just announced a total... breakthrough...

They have pictures of some suspects for the sunday's bombing... from security cameras' footages.

"Who is that, with the yellow shirt over there..."

-"Oh My Budha, it could be... Thaksin !

-"Yes Somchai, you're right. Definitely, it's him. I can recognize his nose"

-"Hum... And his haircut too".

And then- an ABAC poll - where in the question will be- Do you think that picture, which we have but can't show you is of Takky? Followed immediately with a front page report that 80% of Thais conclude that the picture shows Taksin up to his usual devilry. And... case closed.

[Jai Dee]

Security tightens for National Children’s Day

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) Deputy Permanent Secretary, Mr. Anant Siripasaraporn (อนันต์ ศิริภัสราภรณ์), has expressed confidence on security measures for popular venues among children on National Children’s Day.

According to Mr. Anant, especially at the Thai-Japanese Sports Center, where activities to be held and more than 10,000 children are expected to visit, will be boosted security in full force. He added that the security measures for next week National Children’s Day are at the same level of security standards that deployed at the World Youth Games.

Many security units such as the First Army Region and Bangkok metropolitan police will be stationed in various risky sites. They will patrol throughout the area and search for suspicious persons, parcels and objects.

Moreover, all big litter bins will be collected. Meanwhile, the venue will provide two entrance-exit ways in order to be easy for providing safety.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Police officers and their dogs patrol Chatuchak weekend market as part of stepped up security measures in an effort to prevent further bombings after the deadly explosions on New Year’s Eve that killed three people and injured 40.

Source: The Nation - 8 January 2007

[Plus]

I don't think Thaksin would gamble on bombing Bangkok to gain sympathy. Speculations about "elements of the old regime" being involved reflect on him very badly.

Why? One possible purpose of the bombing is to de-stabilized the current administration. If I were Thaksin, I would be laughing now that I see that the current administration being shaken by the incident. Stock market and businesses also down, hahahaha.... But that if I were him.

De-stabilizing the government is one thing, getting back as a saviour is another. If people, millions of people, and the elite, and the army, think that he was behind the bombings, as they do now, he has a zero chance or returning.

[JacknDanny]

I don't think Thaksin would gamble on bombing Bangkok to gain sympathy. Speculations about "elements of the old regime" being involved reflect on him very badly.

Why? One possible purpose of the bombing is to de-stabilized the current administration. If I were Thaksin, I would be laughing now that I see that the current administration being shaken by the incident. Stock market and businesses also down, hahahaha.... But that if I were him.

De-stabilizing the government is one thing, getting back as a saviour is another. If people, millions of people, and the elite, and the army, think that he was behind the bombings, as they do now, he has a zero chance or returning.

Absolutely right. But he had zero chance of returning anyway as per your reasoning above.

This is solely about money. He is trying to discredit the interim Govt and create as many problems as he can, of course with the help of his "paid" foot soldiers. This is his only way of getting away with paying the huge amounts he and his family own in taxes and to avoid a lot of his assets being seized when he gets found guilty on corruption charges. He will ultimately fail, but desperate men do desperate things, especially greedy f#ck wits like Thaksin