Last edit by: JDiver
For those qualified to post in Omni and Omni/PR (180 days on FT and 180 posts), political conversations on this tragedy can occur in this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/omni-pr/1703225-deadly-bombing-bangkok.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/omni-pr/1703225-deadly-bombing-bangkok.html
Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens: Explosion at Erawan Shrine in Central Bangkok
Embassy of the United States of America in Bangkok
August 17, 2015
http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/mobile//081715_emergency_message.html
This message is to inform U.S. citizens in Thailand that according to local law enforcement, an explosion took place at approximately 7:00 pm August 17, at the Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, and overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines). Media outlets are reporting multiple casualties. Local law enforcement and emergency services are responding and U.S. Embassy personnel are liaising closely with local authorities to gather information. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
Embassy of the United States of America in Bangkok
August 17, 2015
http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/mobile//081715_emergency_message.html
This message is to inform U.S. citizens in Thailand that according to local law enforcement, an explosion took place at approximately 7:00 pm August 17, at the Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, and overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines). Media outlets are reporting multiple casualties. Local law enforcement and emergency services are responding and U.S. Embassy personnel are liaising closely with local authorities to gather information. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.
Bangkok: Bomb blast near Erawan 17 Aug 2015 (merged threads)
#31
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I've also heard retribution for Thailand repatriating Uighers to China. After all I'm guessing the preponderance of injured/dead will be Chinese.
#33
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#34
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#35
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If it is determined that the reason for this attack is X group versus Y group, then you should be ok and just avoid major places where these groups congregate. Such as Erawan. However if it is determined that this is attack directly on tourists, then that's another thing altogether. But from what I've seen I would discount an attack on western tourists. They probably would not have chosen Erawan in that case. All IMHO of course.
The foolish and rampant speculation on TV has already claimed that this is an attack on tourism in Thailand.
The foolish and rampant speculation on TV has already claimed that this is an attack on tourism in Thailand.
#37
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I've seen that sort of security off and on the entire time I've traveled to Thailand. My first time there, in fact, I recall a few checkpoints where security forces were looking under every car for bombs before allowing them past.
#38
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For those who use twitter, one reliable on-the-ground source is #richardbarrow. A freelancer but formerly with CNN, is solid and tries to report only 'facts'.... POV
#39
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Totally agree, everything reported at this point is pure speculation, including what my inside sources are telling me.
For those who use twitter, one reliable on-the-ground source is #richardbarrow. A freelancer but formerly with CNN, is solid and tries to report only 'facts'.... POV
For those who use twitter, one reliable on-the-ground source is #richardbarrow. A freelancer but formerly with CNN, is solid and tries to report only 'facts'.... POV
I second the twitter recommendation. @RichardBarrow is factual and doesnt speculate . He has been excellent today.
#40
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The US State Dept has weighed in. http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/081715_...y_message.html
And the US embassy in Bangkok is live tweeting @ACSBKK
And the US embassy in Bangkok is live tweeting @ACSBKK
#41
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If it is determined that the reason for this attack is X group versus Y group, then you should be ok and just avoid major places where these groups congregate. Such as Erawan. However if it is determined that this is attack directly on tourists, then that's another thing altogether. But from what I've seen I would discount an attack on western tourists. They probably would not have chosen Erawan in that case. All IMHO of course.
The foolish and rampant speculation on TV has already claimed that this is an attack on tourism in Thailand.
The foolish and rampant speculation on TV has already claimed that this is an attack on tourism in Thailand.
Well...it is however hard then to avoid "crowded places" as we are anyway heading to BKK/Thailand for our first time...
#42
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At the risk of asking a dumb question, why do Chinese tourists in particular tend to congregate at this place in Bangkok? Is there some cultural connection that I'm missing here?
#43
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#44
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The Erawin Shrine is a major Buddhist site. A lot of Chinese Buddhists visit and worship there, hence you see all the incense burning, chanting, donation for dancers to perform to gain merit, etc.