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Thursday, March 8, 2007

Australia Issues New Terrorist Warning For Thailand

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution because of the high threat of terrorist attack. We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners.


On 30 January 2007, two small explosions occurred at the Rama Gardens Hotel and the Daily News, both in Bangkok. A series of bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok on 31 December 2006, killing three and injuring over 30 others, including six foreigners. Further attacks cannot be ruled out.


There is uncertainty over the political situation following a military takeover of the Government on 19 September 2006. Martial law remains in place in parts of the country.

You should avoid demonstrations, political rallies, and concentrations of military personnel. You should monitor the media, and follow any instructions issued by local authorities.


We strongly advise you to reconsider your need to travel at this time to the southern provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla or overland to and from the Malaysian border through these provinces, due to high levels of ongoing violence in these regions, including terrorist attacks.

On 18 and 19 February 2007 a series of 38 bomb attacks and around 26 arson attacks took place in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla provinces resulting in approximately 72 casualties including seven deaths. Targets included entertainment venues, power grids, petrol stations, telephone lines and other commercial sites, including a department store. The targets of the arson attacks included two government schools and Narathiwat central mosque.


Over 1,900 people have reportedly been killed and many more injured, including a number of foreigners, since the level of violence began to increase in Thailand in the southern provinces in January 2004. Terrorists have warned foreign tourists not to travel to these areas. Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Thailand.

3 comments:

Unknown said...

Is this terrorist warning misrepresenting the facts? It states that "On 30 January 2007, two small explosions occurred at the Rama Gardens Hotel..."

My understanding is that the explosion occured on Vibhawadee Road. Rama Gardens Hotel is actually quite deep inside a soi away from the main Road. Is this correct, or is the reporting that I've read so far just not being very accurate?

Fonzi said...

I'm sorry. I don't really recall.

My understanding is that the explosions occurred at the hotel.

I'll do a search and correct the information if it is incorrect, and put the accurate info at the bottom of the blog entry.

Thanks for pointing this out, if you happen to be right.

Anonymous said...

There were some small 'grenade' exposions reported then. I recall seeing a photo in the Nation (I think), which showed a few police and a soldier lookng at the blast site from one of these. It seemed to be a very small hole in the road or pavement - smaller than I have to drive over every day on Pattanakhan. Probably something like a cherry bomb. They do love a bit of drama the Thais.