This from the US Embassy -
In the evening of August 11, two bombs exploded in a Hua Hin market area; a third bomb exploded near the Hua Hin clock tower in the morning of August 12. Thai local law enforcement and media are reporting at least one death of a Thai woman and approximately 20 injured, including foreign nationals. Other, smaller explosions also have been reported in Phuket, Trang, and Surat Thani, and the situation is developing with reports of additional possible explosions and suspicious fires elsewhere in southern Thailand. Thai officials have identified no U.S. citizens among the injured victims. The U.S. embassy is in regular contact with local authorities to determine if any U.S. citizens have been affected.
Royal Thai Police have indicated that the immediate area of the incidents will remain closed for further investigation. Further, the law enforcement presence in the greater Hua Hin area is expected to be enhanced until further notice. Travelers to the area should avoid the affected areas, review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Thailand. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.
The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling +66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing [email protected]. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is +66-2-205-4000. You can also follow us on Twitter @acsbkk.
The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling +66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at [email protected]. The after-hours emergency telephone number is +66-81-881-1878.
Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21599
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1323 times
Re: Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
I think it is no coincidence that these bombings occurred and probably were planned to occur today, August 12, on Her Majesty, the Queen's birthday - Thailand's Mothers Day, a major holiday in Thailand.
These bombings were likely planned and the bombs constructed at least days ago. Somebody knows how to construct and detonate bombs, along with where to get the materials to make the bombs. You don't pick that up watching I Love Lucy.
Some news reports are saying these bombings are indeed linked to the referendum. So far no group is claiming responsibility.
The Thai police have so far been very good at tracking down and catching terrorists who do these things in Thailand. I think we all hope they find and catch those responsible, and quickly.
__________________________________________________
Thailand: At least eight blasts hit three cities within hours
by Kocha Olarn and Joshua Berlinger, CNN
August 12, 2016
Bangkok (CNN)Three Thai cities have been hit by at least eight explosions in a span of about 12 hours, according to police officials.
At least two people are confirmed dead and at least 15 others are injured, authorities said.
No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts -- and it's not clear if they're connected.
The series of blasts come days before the one year anniversary of the Erawan Shrine bombing, which killed 20 people.
Thursday's bar blasts
Thailand bombings
1. Thursday night, Hua Hin -- Twin blasts strike near bar at about 11 p.m., killing at least one
2. Friday morning, Surat Thani -- Two explosions occur, the first at 8:01 a.m. and the second at 8:30 a.m., killing at least one
3. Friday morning, Phuket -- Two bombs went off at Patong beach and Bangala street at 9 a.m., injuring one
4. Friday morning, Hua Hin -- Two more bombs hit at 9:05 a.m. near a clock tower
The series of explosions started Thursday night in the resort of Hua Hin. Two bombs placed near a local bar went off within a few minutes of each other as foreign tourists were leaving to go back to their hotels, Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran said.
In that incident, one woman working at a food vending cart in front of the bar was killed and at least 11 people -- mostly foreign visitors -- were injured.
Edwin Wiek, who has lived in Thailand for almost 30 years, said one bomb was near the London Bar, not far from the Hua Hin Beach.
Multiple attacks Friday
On Friday morning at least six explosions occurred in three locations.
Two more bombs went off Hua Hin, and the southern city of Surat Thani and the resort island of Phuket were each hit by twin blasts, police said.
In Surat Thani city, the explosions occurred at 8:01 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. local time, according to Chavalit, a local police captain. Those two blasts were located about 650 feet (200 meters) apart from each other.
A female municipal worker was killed and four were injured in, Chanmornoi said.
Around 9 a.m. on Friday in Phuket, two bombs went off, one at Patong Beach and one at Bang La Street -- both popular tourist sites -- according to Major General Theerapol Thipcharoen, the chief of Phuket Provincial Police.
One person suffered minor injuries in the Phuket incident, Theerapol told CNN.
Back in Hua Hin at 9:05 a.m, another two bombs went off near a clock tower, a city landmark, according to Yoosumran.
"Police have tightened security," he said. "We have set up check points and inspecting bags and other things."
http://us.cnn.com/2016/08/12/asia/thail ... index.html
These bombings were likely planned and the bombs constructed at least days ago. Somebody knows how to construct and detonate bombs, along with where to get the materials to make the bombs. You don't pick that up watching I Love Lucy.
Some news reports are saying these bombings are indeed linked to the referendum. So far no group is claiming responsibility.
The Thai police have so far been very good at tracking down and catching terrorists who do these things in Thailand. I think we all hope they find and catch those responsible, and quickly.
__________________________________________________
Thailand: At least eight blasts hit three cities within hours
by Kocha Olarn and Joshua Berlinger, CNN
August 12, 2016
Bangkok (CNN)Three Thai cities have been hit by at least eight explosions in a span of about 12 hours, according to police officials.
At least two people are confirmed dead and at least 15 others are injured, authorities said.
No one has claimed responsibility for the blasts -- and it's not clear if they're connected.
The series of blasts come days before the one year anniversary of the Erawan Shrine bombing, which killed 20 people.
Thursday's bar blasts
Thailand bombings
1. Thursday night, Hua Hin -- Twin blasts strike near bar at about 11 p.m., killing at least one
2. Friday morning, Surat Thani -- Two explosions occur, the first at 8:01 a.m. and the second at 8:30 a.m., killing at least one
3. Friday morning, Phuket -- Two bombs went off at Patong beach and Bangala street at 9 a.m., injuring one
4. Friday morning, Hua Hin -- Two more bombs hit at 9:05 a.m. near a clock tower
The series of explosions started Thursday night in the resort of Hua Hin. Two bombs placed near a local bar went off within a few minutes of each other as foreign tourists were leaving to go back to their hotels, Police Lieutenant Colonel Samoer Yoosumran said.
In that incident, one woman working at a food vending cart in front of the bar was killed and at least 11 people -- mostly foreign visitors -- were injured.
Edwin Wiek, who has lived in Thailand for almost 30 years, said one bomb was near the London Bar, not far from the Hua Hin Beach.
Multiple attacks Friday
On Friday morning at least six explosions occurred in three locations.
Two more bombs went off Hua Hin, and the southern city of Surat Thani and the resort island of Phuket were each hit by twin blasts, police said.
In Surat Thani city, the explosions occurred at 8:01 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. local time, according to Chavalit, a local police captain. Those two blasts were located about 650 feet (200 meters) apart from each other.
A female municipal worker was killed and four were injured in, Chanmornoi said.
Around 9 a.m. on Friday in Phuket, two bombs went off, one at Patong Beach and one at Bang La Street -- both popular tourist sites -- according to Major General Theerapol Thipcharoen, the chief of Phuket Provincial Police.
One person suffered minor injuries in the Phuket incident, Theerapol told CNN.
Back in Hua Hin at 9:05 a.m, another two bombs went off near a clock tower, a city landmark, according to Yoosumran.
"Police have tightened security," he said. "We have set up check points and inspecting bags and other things."
http://us.cnn.com/2016/08/12/asia/thail ... index.html
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21599
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1323 times
Re: Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
Two more bombs. This time Phang Nga - And a fire in Krabi:
_________________________________
Bombs rattle Phuket's Patong, Phang Nga
12 Aug 2016
In Phang Nga, two bombs exploded Friday morning in Takua Pa district. No casualties were reported.
The bombs went off at two locations at Ban Nang Niang village in tambon Khuek Khak. One vehicle was damaged.
The blasts followed a fire that gutted a weekend market at the same tambon in the early hours of Friday. The cause of that fire is under investigation, and could have been a bomb.
The fire occurred at about 2.15am at the market, a popular shopping venue among tourists in Khao Lak.
Two fire trucks and firemen were deployed to the fire-gutted market in tambon Khuek Khak. Firefighters took more than one hour to douse the flames, which damaged 80 stalls. Damage was estimated at about 8 million baht.
The investigation of the fire's cause was continuing. Police said it could have been an electrical short circuit or arson by a bomb.
In Krabi, a fire ravaged a shopping venue in front of Au Nang beach early Friday morning, damaging five shops. Damage was about 10 million baht.
Pol Lt Col Athiwat Chaisrisut, deputy suppression chief of Au Nang police station, deputy Krabi governor Sirichai Sriniang and senior officials rushed to the scene after being reported at around 3.15am on Friday.
Fire trucks were sent to the scene in tambon Au Nang in Muang district and firemen took almost 3 hours to control the flames, which destroyed five shops. Nobody was injured.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/securit ... -phang-nga
_________________________________
Bombs rattle Phuket's Patong, Phang Nga
12 Aug 2016
In Phang Nga, two bombs exploded Friday morning in Takua Pa district. No casualties were reported.
The bombs went off at two locations at Ban Nang Niang village in tambon Khuek Khak. One vehicle was damaged.
The blasts followed a fire that gutted a weekend market at the same tambon in the early hours of Friday. The cause of that fire is under investigation, and could have been a bomb.
The fire occurred at about 2.15am at the market, a popular shopping venue among tourists in Khao Lak.
Two fire trucks and firemen were deployed to the fire-gutted market in tambon Khuek Khak. Firefighters took more than one hour to douse the flames, which damaged 80 stalls. Damage was estimated at about 8 million baht.
The investigation of the fire's cause was continuing. Police said it could have been an electrical short circuit or arson by a bomb.
In Krabi, a fire ravaged a shopping venue in front of Au Nang beach early Friday morning, damaging five shops. Damage was about 10 million baht.
Pol Lt Col Athiwat Chaisrisut, deputy suppression chief of Au Nang police station, deputy Krabi governor Sirichai Sriniang and senior officials rushed to the scene after being reported at around 3.15am on Friday.
Fire trucks were sent to the scene in tambon Au Nang in Muang district and firemen took almost 3 hours to control the flames, which destroyed five shops. Nobody was injured.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/securit ... -phang-nga
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21599
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1323 times
Re: Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
A news item I apparently missed - this morning there was a fire at the Tesco-Lotus in Nakorn Si Thammarat.
Security and checkpoints have been stepped up all over Thailand in the wake of these bombings and fires, especially in crowd areas and airports. Considering the number of fires, it seems quite clear the fires are arson, not just a strange coincidence.
While I am well aware of all the objections to carrying your passport, I'd at least make damned sure you carry a good photocopy with you.
There has been no more reports of bombings or fires since this morning and all of these incidents took place on Thailand's Malaysia peninsula, from Hua Hin south. So far no one and no group has claimed responsibility, so for the time being the motivation behind this mayhem is anybody's guess.
Since there has been no further reports, let's hope it's over.
Security and checkpoints have been stepped up all over Thailand in the wake of these bombings and fires, especially in crowd areas and airports. Considering the number of fires, it seems quite clear the fires are arson, not just a strange coincidence.
While I am well aware of all the objections to carrying your passport, I'd at least make damned sure you carry a good photocopy with you.
There has been no more reports of bombings or fires since this morning and all of these incidents took place on Thailand's Malaysia peninsula, from Hua Hin south. So far no one and no group has claimed responsibility, so for the time being the motivation behind this mayhem is anybody's guess.
Since there has been no further reports, let's hope it's over.
-
artic55
Re: Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
This is looking more and more like a coordinated attack against the tourist industry in Thailand. The attacks are aimed equally against Thais and foreigners to maximize economic impact on the tourist industry. The powers behind the attack know that by scaring the foreigners away there goes the livelihood of many locals, causing economical downturn on top of political instability. I'm afraid this might be just the beginning of something more sinister.
-
Gaybutton
- Posts: 21599
- Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2010 11:21 am
- Location: Thailand
- Has thanked: 2 times
- Been thanked: 1323 times
Re: Double bombing in Hua Hin - Now several more bombings
According to the following article, 20 embassies have issued travel advisories to Thailand. While there has not been, at the time of this post, any more bombings or fires, those of you planning to travel to Thailand while the advisory for your home country is in effect might want to check with your insurance company to make sure whether you will still be covered while in Thailand.
_______________________________________________
Many embassies issue safety advice
by Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation
August 13, 2016
Some 20 foreign embassies have issued travel advisories warning their citizens to be extremely vigilant after a series of bomb blasts, some of them deadly, across seven provinces south of Bangkok.
While three embassies said there was a possibility of further attacks, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai assured foreign visitors that there would be no repetition of the incidents.
The embassies that issued alerts included those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, France, Hungary, Japan, Singapore, Italy and Brazil.
They advised their citizens to avoid the areas already affected and crowded areas, monitor local news reports, follow the instructions of local authorities, keep in contact with relatives in their home countries and contact their embassies in case of emergency.
The German Foreign Ministry said further attacks "cannot be ruled out". The US Embassy also cited reports of possible additional explosions and suspicious fires in some southern provinces.
The Japanese Embassy advised its citizens to "not eliminate the possibility that unforeseen circumstances may occur in future".
But the Thai Foreign Ministry stressed that authorities had the situation under control and would not let them reoccur. Don said security officials were expediting the interrogation processes.
He said the ministry was not alarmed by the embassies' warning messages as it was common diplomatic practice to take care of citizens in the Kingdom.
Although the blasts took place in quite rapid succession, the ministry did not declare the acts as terrorism but "an act of stirring up public disturbance".
The first twin bombs exploded on Thursday night in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district, a busy tourist destination where the royal Klai Kangwon Palace is located.
They were followed by a series of smaller bombs in Phuket's Patong Beach and Loma Beach, Trang, Surat Thani and Phang Nga's Khao Lak yesterday, while the country celebrated Mother's Day.
Four Germans, three Dutch nationals, two Italians and one Austrian were injured in yesterday's explosions in Hua Hin.
"It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere. It was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist who was staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated.
"I was just surprised that it happened here ... now I'm thinking if it's worth staying," he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 92847.html
_______________________________________________
Many embassies issue safety advice
by Wasamon Audjarint
The Nation
August 13, 2016
Some 20 foreign embassies have issued travel advisories warning their citizens to be extremely vigilant after a series of bomb blasts, some of them deadly, across seven provinces south of Bangkok.
While three embassies said there was a possibility of further attacks, Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai assured foreign visitors that there would be no repetition of the incidents.
The embassies that issued alerts included those of the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, France, Hungary, Japan, Singapore, Italy and Brazil.
They advised their citizens to avoid the areas already affected and crowded areas, monitor local news reports, follow the instructions of local authorities, keep in contact with relatives in their home countries and contact their embassies in case of emergency.
The German Foreign Ministry said further attacks "cannot be ruled out". The US Embassy also cited reports of possible additional explosions and suspicious fires in some southern provinces.
The Japanese Embassy advised its citizens to "not eliminate the possibility that unforeseen circumstances may occur in future".
But the Thai Foreign Ministry stressed that authorities had the situation under control and would not let them reoccur. Don said security officials were expediting the interrogation processes.
He said the ministry was not alarmed by the embassies' warning messages as it was common diplomatic practice to take care of citizens in the Kingdom.
Although the blasts took place in quite rapid succession, the ministry did not declare the acts as terrorism but "an act of stirring up public disturbance".
The first twin bombs exploded on Thursday night in Prachuap Khiri Khan's Hua Hin district, a busy tourist destination where the royal Klai Kangwon Palace is located.
They were followed by a series of smaller bombs in Phuket's Patong Beach and Loma Beach, Trang, Surat Thani and Phang Nga's Khao Lak yesterday, while the country celebrated Mother's Day.
Four Germans, three Dutch nationals, two Italians and one Austrian were injured in yesterday's explosions in Hua Hin.
"It was very shocking. There was a loud noise and police were running everywhere. It was terrible," said Michael Edwards, an Australian tourist who was staying in a guest house close to where the second bomb detonated.
"I was just surprised that it happened here ... now I'm thinking if it's worth staying," he said.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/nationa ... 92847.html