Six more bombs have been discovered in Bangkok, Thailand, just a few days after another was found near the Government Lottery Office. The six that were found today were home-made, and had been placed in various spots around the Lat Krabang area of town, including one at a Bangkok Bank branch.
Explosives experts found and collected the bombs, and they were safely disposed of.
With only two weeks before the New Year’s Eve celebrations, the Thai government of Yingluck Shinawatra is understandably nervous. Eight bombs exploded in Bangkok on New Year’s Eve, 2006, as a result of which three people died and almost 40 were injured. With Thailand’s current political instability, as well as several groups who are actively determined to get rid of Prime Minister Yingluck and her government, nerves are on edge about what the Christmas and New Year holidays will bring.
As a long-term resident of Bangkok, I have to say the city is not dangerous. But, since the 2006 military coup, I have avoided large celebrations or gatherings in Bangkok as there often seems to be some problem.
In 2006 on New Year’s Eve, five areas all over Bangkok were bombed. In 2009 on New Year’s Day, there was a massive fire that destroyed the Santika nightclub, killing more than 61 young revelers inside. Anti-government demonstrations have turned violent in the last couple of years, and, in an effort to move protesters out of the downtown Bangkok area, Thai prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva ordered military troops into the city center last year. As a result, more than 90 people were shot and killed.
With situations like these keep happening in Bangkok, my recommendation is to visit the city if you want to have a nice New Year’s away from home. However, stay away from large crowds and celebrate in smaller restaurants or at your hotel. It may seem to be overly cautious to some but, having the problems Thailand continues to have, I’m of the opinion it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Meanwhile, one man has already been arrested by Bangkok police for placing the six bombs this morning, and is being questioned. Police say the bombs were created by an explosives expert, and are trying to ascertain whether there’s a connection between these bombs and the bombs found earlier in the month.
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