Tag: Travel

Here in Bangkok, four days after the new year’s eve bombings, the mood is still tranquil. But the question remains: whodunit?

My buddy Dan Ten Kate has a good story in the Asia Sentinel:

“Thailand’s Bombing Mystery Gets Murkier: Allegations, conspiracy theories and bomb threats continue to swirl in Bangkok.”

A snip:

Although Thailand’s junta leaders have been generally praised by the local press in the wake of the bombings that rocked Bangkok’s peaceful ambiance at the start of the year, concerns are growing about their competence in the wake of contradictory statements and a seeming lack of political, economic and law enforcement direction.

Contending forces appear to be emerging across a wide range of the power structure including within the police and military. Some political analysts are also theorizing that the bombings, which took the lives of three and injured nearly 30, could be the manifestations of a power struggle within the junta that took power after pushing deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra from power.

Certainly, there were conflicting statements aplenty Wednesday from the military junta and the country’s appointed civilian leaders. Although General Saprang Kanlayanamitr, a leading junta member, told reporters that the “evidence and intelligence information proves that the bombs were the dirty work of politicians who lost power and benefit. Some bad soldiers loyal to the bad politicians collaborated with them with the intention to topple this government,” an hour or so later that statement was contradicted by military-appointed Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

Elsewhere:

— Taipei Times/AP: “Thai army says Thaksin backers behind attacks”

— IHT/AP: “Thaksin denies links to New Year’s bombings, Loyalists behind attacks, military says”

And as for the impact that the bombings may have on the Thai tourism industry, MSNBC.com is running two stories, one from the AP and one from Reuters:

AP: “Tourists undeterred by Thai bombing, But blasts concern experts about effects of travel advisories”

Reuters: “Bangkok bombs cast shadow over Thai tourism, Tour operators fear travel warnings will make year’s growth more difficult”

I can say this: My family and I traveled throughout various parts of Bangkok yesterday — from the Oriental hotel on the banks of the Chao Phraya to Emporium mall on Sukhumvit Rd. — and there was no shortage of tourists anywhere. Even the open-air Suan Lum night bazaar, which we visited two nights ago, was crowded, despite the fact that a bomb was reported to have been discovered there on new year’s eve and subsequently disposed of.

Elsewhere, Jotman is blogging about the bombings. And Bangkok Pundit, of course, continues to be a reliable source of info.