Thai authorities are worried about New Year celebrations in Bangkok. Bombed in 2006 with three people killed and 42 injured, Bangkok police discovered seven more bombs in the city in early December this year, so there's a worry New Year's Eve festivities could be targeted. Of course, as always, Thai police have little idea who's responsible, but the Bangkok Post is reporting they do have a list of possible bomb targets. If you'll be in Bangkok over New Year, you should know about these places too.
Central World Plaza - Bangkok's biggest New Year celebration, which is also televised, always takes place outside Central World Plaza, Thailand's largest shopping mall. It was here in 2006 that two bombs went off, injuring several people including nine foreigners. One foreigner's leg was blown off in the explosion.
This year, Thai police will station 1,000 police personnel here. The area will be checked for bombs with bomb-sniffing dogs, and then closed off. Revelers will be allowed into the area one by one, but will be checked for weapons and explosives before being able to enter. It's up to you whether you want to be subjected to that, of if you'd rather celebrate your New Year elsewhere.
Victory Monument - One of the major transportation hubs in Bangkok, Victory Monument was a bombing target in 2006 and could be again. Police are expected to have increased personnel here but, if possible, avoid the area and travel through other areas of the city.
Khao San Road - Full of mainly foreigners, Khao San Road is a possible target as the publicity of a bombing here for Thailand would be devastating. Popular with mainly young western backpackers, Khao San Road is hectic, crazy and packed with people, so likely a place where a bomb could be concealed easily. That's why some people are warning to stay away from it on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Shopping Malls - Many people celebrate an early New Year with dinner at one of Bangkok's many shopping malls. In 2006, a mall, Major Ratchayothin, was one place where a bomb was left, in a fast-food restaurant. Luckily, a security guard saw the bag and placed it in a storage area, simply thinking someone had accidentally left it behind. It exploded a little while later, but nobody was hurt.
Another large Bangkok shopping mall, Seacon Square, was also discovered to have an unexploded bomb in a trash can on the first floor of the mall on New Year's Eve, 2006. It was detonated in the parking lot, causing panic but no injuries or damage.
Police Boxes - Whoever planted bombs in 2006 must have had a vendetta against Thailand's police, as three police boxes in Bangkok were targeted and blown up, one with a hand grenade. Only minor injuries were reported.
Overall, if bombs are planted in Bangkok for the New Year celebrations, if past bombings are evidence, unfortunately just about anywhere could be a target. Shopping malls, police boxes, large New Year parties, particular areas, even public transportation such as the sky train and underground could be targets.
At the moment, Thai authorities say they have no information that any bomb attacks will occur but, with the current unstable political situation, and with bombs already found in Bangkok earlier in the month, they are understandably concerned and preparing for the possibility.
For any visitor, if you're in Bangkok and want to celebrate New Year's Eve, safer places are likely to be independent restaurants and bars away from shopping malls, and businesses in residential areas not near tourist spots (they're also authentic Thai, so fun too).
Again, there are no intelligence reports as yet that any bombings will take place but, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
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