Bomb Threats In Bangkok

[Siripon]

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.

Plus, it's not that simple.

For one, certain elements of the army benefited from Thaksin and are feeling their interests threatened, and that's aside from the police; secondly there are millions of upcountry and poor urban Thais who still believe in Thaksin, these people are still nonplussed as to the reasons of the coup.

And if Khun Surayud resigns over the Khao Yai Thiang land rights incident, as he said he would it if it could be proved his land acquisition was illegal, it would be another success notched up to the Thaksin regime.

But the good point is this would give General Sonthi a free hand to freeze Thaksin's assets and paralyse the funder of the undercurrents and arsonists.

[John K]

I think freezing Thaksin’s assets at this point is a no brainer.

[Old Man River]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

[John K]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

Terrorist groups and insurgents almost always claim responsibility for their bombs. I recall that just over a year ago the groups in the south suggested that they would bomb Bangkok and Thaksin responded by coming down hard on them. The fact that no person or group has laid claim to the bombs I would conclude the original thought it was Thaksin. Additional support that he was involved was he remarked on it and said it was not him. A quick reminder is Thaksin’s remarks are almost always 180 degrees from the truth.

[sriracha john]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

The speculation that the bombs are of Southern origin doesn't seem to jive with the forensics known thus far:

All Bangkok bombs of the same type

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bomb-makers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt-General Ek Angsananont, said yesterday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive would be known by next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting police in the identification process.

Fingerprints were found on bomb materials at two sites - Gaysorn shopping plaza and the Pratunam Pier - but these had not matched any on police criminal records.

Initial findings showed that in terms of assembly techniques there were no similarities between the eight bombs and those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

Phaya Thai police have interviewed 19 witnesses from two sites where bombs went off - Victory Monument and Pratunam Pier, including 13 injured by the blasts. They reported seeing two potential bombers - male teenagers - at the first site, and one - also a male teenager - at the latter site.

Video footage from surveillance cameras near both sites did not detect any significant evidence in relation to the bombings.

Phaya Thai police chief Colonel Bundit Thisaphark said he had assigned both uniformed and plainclothes officers to keep an around-the-clock watch for more possible bomb attacks in crowded areas.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he had asked police to find out those responsible for the bomb attacks as soon as possible.

- The Nation

[sriracha john]

Aussies to help Thailand with probes

CANBERRA, Australia, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- The Australian Federal Police are assisting Thailand in investigating the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok and a neighboring province.

"The AFP, through its Australia Bomb Data Center and international network, are assisting the Royal Thai police to develop their bomb analysis capacity in the form of the establishment of a Royal Thai Police Bomb Data Center," an AFP spokesman said.

The Australian newspaper Monday said fast-tracking the previously agreed upon center would likely give forensic support to Thai efforts to definitively investigate the New Year's Eve bombings, which the Thai government blames on unidentified supporters of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by a military coup last September.

Thirty-eight people were also injured in the eight bombings.

Thai authorities said their investigations would focus on forensic evidence and information gleaned from surveillance tapes at several of the bombing locations.

Australia helped set up a Philippine bomb data facility in late 2005. A similar center is being developed in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, the newspaper report said.

- United Press International

[Jai Dee]

Thai army chief orders close watch on "old powers"

In an attempt to prevent further untoward incidents following the series of Bangkok bombings last week, Thai security forces have been ordered to keep close watch on so-called "old-power" figures across the country, Thai army chief said here on Monday.

Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS) and also the Army Chief, said on Monday that those "old-power" figures in every province across the country might pull-the-strings 'behind the scenes' in unleashing a similar chaos again.

After meeting with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont on Monday morning, Sonthi said he assured the premier that the army and the CNS will do their best in dealing with all security matters and that a security alert has been put in place everywhere through out the country following the Bangkok bombings on New Year's Eve.

Three persons were killed and some 40 others were hospitalized with wounds.

In response to the premier's warnings about renewed violent attacks taking place in couple of months, the CNS chairman was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying that authorities in upcountry provinces advised that during February and March violence could possibly recur. Therefore, he ordered a close watch against "prominent figures" in all provinces, he said referring to those influential in backing local politicians.

Shortly after the Bangkok bombings on New Year's Eve, the CNS and the interim government claimed the incidents were not linked to the Muslim insurgents fighting in the deep South but the perpetrators were likely to be former politicians, especially those who had lost power.

The claims were interpreted as referring to politicians, and even senior military officers, loyal to former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra who was deposed by the September 19, 2006 coup.

However, some portion of the public belonging to the so-called ' old power' -- including Thaksin himself, have come forward to deny any role in the bombings, thus far police investigators have not yet implicated anyone in the case.

"Every single person and group, no matter whether they are former MPs or those likely to have the 'power' to incite violence, were being closely observed to see if something more will happen," Sonthi was quoted as saying.

Source: Xinhua - 9 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thailand says NYE bombing arrests imminent

Thailand's prime minister, Surayud Chulanont, says police will soon make an arrest relating to the New Year's Eve bombings in Bangkok.

General Surayud has told local media outlets that investigators have seen the bombers on closed circuit television images from the sites of the eight bomb explosions.

Three people died during the coordinated attacks which targeted key locations in central Bangkok.

The military-backed government says the bombings were carried out by political forces which were unseated by the military coup in September.

But the government has not been able to prove it.

There is mounting pressure on the junta to move more quickly on restoring democracy.

Our correspondent in Bangkok, Karen Percy, says recent opinion polls show that Thais are losing confidence in the government and the Council for National Security, which justified its military takeover by saying it would restore order and security.

Source: ABC Radio Australia - 9 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

ICT Minister discussed CCTVs installation in BKK

Information Communication and Technology Minister Sitthichai Pokai-udom has proposed for the establishment of a working body to coordinate with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Royal Thai Police to analyze the photographs from the Close Circuit Televisions (CCTVs).

The government does not have a policy on this matter yet, but the Ministry of ICT is ready to tackle the problems should they occur.

Mr. Sitthichai said the officials in Bangkok are quickly installing CCTVs in many areas throughout the capital following the small bombings in New Year’s Eve. However, he could not specify when the system will be completed.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2007

[Plus]

.. certain elements of the army benefited from Thaksin and are feeling their interests threatened, and that's aside from the police; secondly there are millions of upcountry and poor urban Thais who still believe in Thaksin, these people are still nonplussed as to the reasons of the coup.

Yes, BUT those certain elements can, and will, reap certain benefits from bombings, while using him as a public scapegoat, for public to vent their anger at. He must feel really thankful now.

Millions of indifferent farmers will be of no help getting past the junta, the elites, and even general Bangkokinas. He has to placate those groups, and being the chief suspect in bombing the capital, probably betrayed by his former allies, is not helping Thaksin's cause.

More than a week has passed and revolution didn't materialize, I doubt that it was Thaksin's plan. His cronies protecting their turf and assets - yes, Thaksin himself - unlikely.

[hammered]

.. certain elements of the army benefited from Thaksin and are feeling their interests threatened, and that's aside from the police; secondly there are millions of upcountry and poor urban Thais who still believe in Thaksin, these people are still nonplussed as to the reasons of the coup.

Yes, BUT those certain elements can, and will, reap certain benefits from bombings, while using him as a public scapegoat, for public to vent their anger at. He must feel really thankful now.

Millions of indifferent farmers will be of no help getting past the junta, the elites, and even general Bangkokinas. He has to placate those groups, and being the chief suspect in bombing the capital, probably betrayed by his former allies, is not helping Thaksin's cause.

More than a week has passed and revolution didn't materialize, I doubt that it was Thaksin's plan. His cronies protecting their turf and assets - yes, Thaksin himself - unlikely.

It is not only the coupists who seem to have some factions. With Mr. Thaksin out of the way there is an opportunity for another from his camp to rise. That person may even try to appear an alternative from both Mr. T and the generals. There are opportunities for many who love power right now, which probably doesnt mean a particularly calm time.

[ColPyat]

It is not only the coupists who seem to have some factions. With Mr. Thaksin out of the way there is an opportunity for another from his camp to rise. That person may even try to appear an alternative from both Mr. T and the generals. There are opportunities for many who love power right now, which probably doesnt mean a particularly calm time.

Absolutely.

Many people tend to forget that Thaksin's main kingmakers - Chavalit, Sanoh, even Nevin and his family, were powers long before Thaksin. Thaksin was the new boy on the block, he's gone now (for how long remains to be seen), but the others are still there plotting and forming alliances just as before. They have never been just Thaksin's subordinates - they always were and still are their own people with their own agendas. TRT was an alliance of convenience that lasted about two years longer than most have expected.

But keeping public debate focussed on Thaksin is convenient, in order to obfuscate the complex and archaic feudal powergames played out right now.

[eugengeri]

I can't believe - it would be so crazy if it's true.

They have found also a bomb (sharp) in Ram II, Bagna Trad (Bangkok) in the market where so many students from the nearby university go shopping food.

Our friend who lives there told this to my wife this morning.

We've lived there also and we know the place very good.

Does somebody here this also or is it only an other rumor?!?

p.s. I forget to ask when this bomb was found.

[Old Man River]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

The speculation that the bombs are of Southern origin doesn't seem to jive with the forensics known thus far:

All Bangkok bombs of the same type

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bomb-makers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt-General Ek Angsananont, said yesterday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive would be known by next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting police in the identification process.

Fingerprints were found on bomb materials at two sites - Gaysorn shopping plaza and the Pratunam Pier - but these had not matched any on police criminal records.

Initial findings showed that in terms of assembly techniques there were no similarities between the eight bombs and those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

Phaya Thai police have interviewed 19 witnesses from two sites where bombs went off - Victory Monument and Pratunam Pier, including 13 injured by the blasts. They reported seeing two potential bombers - male teenagers - at the first site, and one - also a male teenager - at the latter site.

Video footage from surveillance cameras near both sites did not detect any significant evidence in relation to the bombings.

Phaya Thai police chief Colonel Bundit Thisaphark said he had assigned both uniformed and plainclothes officers to keep an around-the-clock watch for more possible bomb attacks in crowded areas.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he had asked police to find out those responsible for the bomb attacks as soon as possible.

- The Nation

SJ, interesting because I have read articles which say exactly the opposite and point that the signature of the bombers are very similar to those seen in the south. Any communications they may have had with the CNS would, understandably, not be for public release.

All is speculation, but I guess for us it is a matter of picking your poison. I see no good in this whoever it is.

[Mid]

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he had asked police to find out those responsible for the bomb attacks as soon as possible.

what ........do their jobs ??

[blaze]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

The speculation that the bombs are of Southern origin doesn't seem to jive with the forensics known thus far:

All Bangkok bombs of the same type

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bomb-makers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt-General Ek Angsananont, said yesterday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive would be known by next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting police in the identification process.

Fingerprints were found on bomb materials at two sites - Gaysorn shopping plaza and the Pratunam Pier - but these had not matched any on police criminal records.

Initial findings showed that in terms of assembly techniques there were no similarities between the eight bombs and those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

Phaya Thai police have interviewed 19 witnesses from two sites where bombs went off - Victory Monument and Pratunam Pier, including 13 injured by the blasts. They reported seeing two potential bombers - male teenagers - at the first site, and one - also a male teenager - at the latter site.

Video footage from surveillance cameras near both sites did not detect any significant evidence in relation to the bombings.

Phaya Thai police chief Colonel Bundit Thisaphark said he had assigned both uniformed and plainclothes officers to keep an around-the-clock watch for more possible bomb attacks in crowded areas.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he had asked police to find out those responsible for the bomb attacks as soon as possible.

- The Nation

SJ, interesting because I have read articles which say exactly the opposite and point that the signature of the bombers are very similar to those seen in the south. Any communications they may have had with the CNS would, understandably, not be for public release.

All is speculation, but I guess for us it is a matter of picking your poison. I see no good in this whoever it is.

Please bear in mind that a justification for the coup- offered to local as well as international audience- was to to solve the problem in the south- not to bring the problems to Bangkok.

So, logically, the bombers couldn't possibly be from the south because that would mean- well- it's all very complicated isn't it... Taksin did it.

[sriracha john]

SJ, interesting because I have read articles which say exactly the opposite and point that the signature of the bombers are very similar to those seen in the south. Any communications they may have had with the CNS would, understandably, not be for public release.

All is speculation, but I guess for us it is a matter of picking your poison. I see no good in this whoever it is.

It is indeed very interesting. I was encouraged to learn of the outside Aussie involvement in all of this as I believe the answers will lie in the forensics involved. It's an extremely technical field and the expertise is very welcome. So much information can be gleaned by the smallest fragments of this and that bit.

certainly, whoever is responsible is no good.... three people are dead because of their actions.

[Siripon]

It is not only the coupists who seem to have some factions. With Mr. Thaksin out of the way there is an opportunity for another from his camp to rise. That person may even try to appear an alternative from both Mr. T and the generals. There are opportunities for many who love power right now, which probably doesnt mean a particularly calm time.

Absolutely.

Many people tend to forget that Thaksin's main kingmakers - Chavalit, Sanoh, even Nevin and his family, were powers long before Thaksin. Thaksin was the new boy on the block, he's gone now (for how long remains to be seen), but the others are still there plotting and forming alliances just as before. They have never been just Thaksin's subordinates - they always were and still are their own people with their own agendas. TRT was an alliance of convenience that lasted about two years longer than most have expected.

But keeping public debate focussed on Thaksin is convenient, in order to obfuscate the complex and archaic feudal powergames played out right now.

Sanoh used to boast how he was a kingmaker, claiming Chavalit, Banharn and then Thaksin were PM because of his political acumen.

But when Thaksin formed TRT he bought up Chavalit's NAP as Chavalit was broke, Pinit's faction in Nong Khai, Suwat's Chart Pattana in Khorat,( otherwise the Klong Dan scandal would go to court), Kamnan Bo's faction in Chonburi( otherwise he would go to the slammer) and finally he whittled away Sanoh's Wang Nam Yen faction with posts and bribes.

All were bought and sold, and once they had outlived their use they were discarded as flat batteries.

It's quite possible Thaksin had no idea about these bomb blasts but he is the one with money and most importantly the one with the most to lose.

Newin could just lie low for a while, after all he was once one of the members of the reviled 'group of 16', he was dubbed 'yee' in Thai, ie disgusting, over 10 years ago, but he managed to restore his reputation somewhat.

He's a man for all seasons.

No way would Sanoh be involved in the present unrest, he must be gloating at present over Thaksin's fate.

Chavalit is playing his usual strange game, blowing hot and cold, but what's almost certain is that any arrest of bomb planters is unlikely to lead to the masterminds.

However there was yet another arson attack on a school in Newin's stronghold of Buriram last night, the guard who was paid 100 baht a day to guard the school was at home having dinner when the fire started!

I wonder who knew that before the fire started.

[ColPyat]

but what's almost certain is that any arrest of bomb planters is unlikely to lead to the masterminds.

And there we are in complete agreement.

Personally, i do refrain from speculation on who might behind the bombings, i doubt that we will ever know who is behind it. The only thing i would like to point out is that there are many other fractions than just Thaksin that could benefit from a destabilisation. I am not in a position to have any insider knowledge on this, and far better connected friends of mine do also have not one bit of information that goes beyond the speculation here in the board and in newspapers.

[Tony Clifton]

but what's almost certain is that any arrest of bomb planters is unlikely to lead to the masterminds.

And there we are in complete agreement.

Personally, i do refrain from speculation on who might behind the bombings, i doubt that we will ever know who is behind it. The only thing i would like to point out is that there are many other fractions than just Thaksin that could benefit from a destabilisation. I am not in a position to have any insider knowledge on this, and far better connected friends of mine do also have not one bit of information that goes beyond the speculation here in the board and in newspapers.

a Thaivisa FIRST!!!

Edited January 9, 2007 by Tony Clifton

[sriracha john]

I certainly never anticipated including a "" on this thread, but that calls for one:

Edited January 9, 2007 by sriracha john

[Plus]

It is theoretically possible to find the bombers, where they came from and where they got the materials. It is theoretically possible to trace the bombs to particular military or police units.

From there on it should be easy - we not searching for a needle in a haystack, just for the beginning of the chain of command.

This is also the point where forensics and detectives will be pulled off and backroom negotiations start, if they haven't already.

I don't think anyone here expects a full legal trial, even leaking names to the media is highely unlikely.

What are the bombers doing now? Are they biding their time for the Act 2, or have they made their "demands" known to the government already. Setting off New Year fireworks surely wasn't their ultimate goal.

If the Act 2 is in the works, than it's really scary.

Does is look like the government is bracing themselves for Act 2?

[cclub75]

By the way, did you see the scoop this morning ?

"Oops sorry, there has been a bomb in Major Cineplex Phayonyotin last sunday, but unfortunatly the owner of a restaurant was so afraid to loose customers that he took him a few days to call us, and then he asked us to keep quiet. Of course, we agreed upon his demands. I hope you will understand".

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/10Jan2007_news02.php

I really think that with the New Year Eve attacks, we are going to break all the previous limits of "This Is Thailand"-attitude....

[hammered]

There has been a lot written on the bombings and who might have been responsible. From what I read, it is either the old guard, internal problems within the CNS, or insurgents from the south. Since the bombs, apparently, contained nails the intent was to maim not just scare. More and more people are now beginning to see the bombings as coming from insurgents from the south, which would mean current olive branch policies may not be working as expected (indicating outside influences).

Does anyone have thoughts on this possibility?

The speculation that the bombs are of Southern origin doesn't seem to jive with the forensics known thus far:

All Bangkok bombs of the same type

The explosive used in bombs at all eight sites on New Year's Eve was the same type and all were likely to have been made by the same skilled bomb-makers, the commander of the police Office of Forensic Science, Pol Lt-General Ek Angsananont, said yesterday.

The objects used as shrapnel, such as nails and bicycle wheel bearings, were of the same size and attached to the explosives by the same technique, he said.

The type of the explosive would be known by next week after confirmation by Australian explosives experts assisting police in the identification process.

Fingerprints were found on bomb materials at two sites - Gaysorn shopping plaza and the Pratunam Pier - but these had not matched any on police criminal records.

Initial findings showed that in terms of assembly techniques there were no similarities between the eight bombs and those used in the deep South by Muslim insurgents, Ek said.

Phaya Thai police have interviewed 19 witnesses from two sites where bombs went off - Victory Monument and Pratunam Pier, including 13 injured by the blasts. They reported seeing two potential bombers - male teenagers - at the first site, and one - also a male teenager - at the latter site.

Video footage from surveillance cameras near both sites did not detect any significant evidence in relation to the bombings.

Phaya Thai police chief Colonel Bundit Thisaphark said he had assigned both uniformed and plainclothes officers to keep an around-the-clock watch for more possible bomb attacks in crowded areas.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, meanwhile, said he had asked police to find out those responsible for the bomb attacks as soon as possible.

- The Nation

SJ, interesting because I have read articles which say exactly the opposite and point that the signature of the bombers are very similar to those seen in the south. Any communications they may have had with the CNS would, understandably, not be for public release.

All is speculation, but I guess for us it is a matter of picking your poison. I see no good in this whoever it is.

Please bear in mind that a justification for the coup- offered to local as well as international audience- was to to solve the problem in the south- not to bring the problems to Bangkok.

So, logically, the bombers couldn't possibly be from the south because that would mean- well- it's all very complicated isn't it... Taksin did it.

You could also easily make an arguement that because the current government has identitifed sorting out the south as a priority issue that anyone wanting them to look bad could have planted the bombs and then suggested they were the work of Southern insurgents.

That is the problem of all this specualtion. Anyone can make an arguement that anyone did it, and therefore people will believe what they want.

[Plus]

Please bear in mind that a justification for the coup- offered to local as well as international audience- was to to solve the problem in the south- not to bring the problems to Bangkok.

So, logically ....

Wouldn't it be nice if people used logic with facts, not fiction?

Justifications for the coup had nothing to do with the South, there were four reasons given:

- massive corruption

- undermining checks and balances

- dividing the country (pro- and anti- Thaksin, not the South)

- lese majeste

>>>>>

They had six suspects filmed on CCTV at the Major, and the crime scene probably would be the best of all as the bomb went off in a closed space. Can they sue the management for not reporting the crime and probably cleaning up the scene themselves? They surely don't deserve to be kept unanimous.

[Mid]

Wouldn't it be nice if people used logic with facts, not fiction?

Justifications for the coup had nothing to do with the South, there were four reasons given:

- massive corruption

- undermining checks and balances

- dividing the country (pro- and anti- Thaksin, not the South)

- lese majeste

be even nicer if they would issue arrest warrents for the guilty parties

[Jai Dee]

Metropol Commissioner not concerned over criticism on bombing investigation

Metropolitan Police Commissioner said he is not concerned over criticism on the police’s performance in the investigation of bomb attacks in Bangkok. He affirms that he and the police do their utmost to solve the bombing case and they will not be disheartened.

The Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Pol.Lt.Gen.Viroj Janttarangsri (วิโรจน์ จันทรังษี) revealed that the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) will inform the public of the progress of the bombing investigation.

Pol.Lt.Gen.Viroj declined to answer the media’s questions about Khunying Porntip Rojanasunan (พรทิพย์ โรจนสุนันท์) who had earlier indicated that the police fail to collect evidence at the bomb scenes.

He said that he will answer only constructive questions, not those that negatively affect the morale of officials and national unity.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007

[blaze]

Please bear in mind that a justification for the coup- offered to local as well as international audience- was to to solve the problem in the south- not to bring the problems to Bangkok.

So, logically ....

Wouldn't it be nice if people used logic with facts, not fiction?

Justifications for the coup had nothing to do with the South, there were four reasons given:

- massive corruption

- undermining checks and balances

- dividing the country (pro- and anti- Thaksin, not the South)

- lese majeste

>>>>>

They had six suspects filmed on CCTV at the Major, and the crime scene probably would be the best of all as the bomb went off in a closed space. Can they sue the management for not reporting the crime and probably cleaning up the scene themselves? They surely don't deserve to be kept unanimous.

The White Paper explaining the reasons for the coup includes the following statement: Taksin's "- Failure to solve violence in the deep South".

Edited January 11, 2007 by blaze

[pampal]

Maybe finding the perpetrators will raise awkward question.

It's all  speculation until real proof is found.

[Jai Dee]

Temujin Network claims to identify the culprits behind the BKK bombings

Mr. Chanapat Na Nakhon, the chairman of a political network known as Temujin Network, alleged that a former army general, whose first name starts with a “P”, was the mastermind behind the Bangkok bombings on New Year’s Eve. He said at least 10 high-ranking police officials were also involved and their financial resources were obtained from a large business group. He claimed that they illegally allowed workers from Myanmar to enter Thailand and planted bombs in different areas in the capital.

Mr. Chanapat today had a meeting with Pol. Lt. Gen. Jongrak Chuthanont, the Assistant Police Commissioner-General and brought in evidences involving a large business group that was sponsoring various parties in conducting political movements and acts to harm the current government and the Council for National Security (CNS). He also stated that over 600 million baht were used to cause the Bangkok bomb blasts.

However, Mr. Chanapat said he will deliver the evidences to the Anti-Money Laundering Office tomorrow for further inspection.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 11 January 2007