An Update on the Recent News from Bangkok
Sadly, this is not the first time that I've had to write a post like this. I have a lot to say about the recent events in Bangkok, and I'll do my best to fill my readers in on what's been going on in the last twenty-four hours, although since we still know very little, the real purpose of this post is to assure you all that I and everyone I know are, to the best of my knowledge, perfectly safe.
I'm writing this post from my apartment on Lat Prao Road, a quiet neighborhood far from the center of Bangkok. In the past, people have asked me if it bothers me to live so far away from everything, and I've often said that during the protests in 2013, I was quite happy to live so far away from anything interesting. I'll echo that sentiment tonight.
What's Going On - Monday 17 August 2015
So, as you most likely already know, last night, around 7pm, an explosion rocked downtown Bangkok I was home in my apartment when I got the news in a text message from one of my Chinese colleagues. At the time, the news was that five were dead, although the number would climb throughout the night as more information came to light, and, at last count, 19 people were killed and dozens more injured.
I recently got a television set, left for me by my good buddy and longtime colleague, James, who has finally moved back home to California with his wife. Most of the channels are Thai, although there are a few international networks, my favorites being Channel News Asia from Singapore, and NHK World from Japan. As the news started unfolding, I sat, a bit stunned, in front of my television, flipping between News Asia, Al Jazeera, NHK World, and whichever Thai language channel was giving the most up-to-date information at the moment.
Around 9pm, several of my coworkers knocked on my door and asked to watch the news with me. Over the next hour or so, we learned that the police had found and safely disarmed two additional bombs found near the scene of the first explosion. One was targeting the BTS Skytrain, although the system is fine and still running regularly.
Some schools were cancelled, although for us it was business as usual. It's important to carry on in the face of tragedy.
What We Know
At the time of writing, no group has taken responsibility. I have a few theories about the purpose of the attack, but there's no good in speculating too much until further information comes forth. One of the most plausible theories is that the attack may have been carried out by southern extremists. Thailand is generally a very safe country (although you might not know that from some of the international media!), although even I have been advised to stay away from the country's three southernmost provinces. Majority Muslim, the three provinces want to break away from heavily Buddhist Thailand. Separatist groups have carried out smaller attacks in the past. The reason that this theory makes sense to me is that the target of the attack was the Erawan Shrine, a Hindu-Buddhist religious site.
The police have a lead on who might have planted the explosive, as city security footage shows a man who might possibly have been responsible.
I've heard conflicting reports on what actually happened. Last night the news was reporting that the explosion was from a motorbike (not at all suspicious in a city like Bangkok), filled with 10kg of TNT. Today, some reports are speculating that the previously mentioned mystery suspect may have dropped a bag before fleeing the scene one minute before the explosion. So far, it's not completely clear which is correct.
The attack happened in front of the Erawan Shrine, a religious site in the central Chidlom/Siam district of the city. It is close to Central World mall and Siam Paragon two of Bangkok's biggest and most important luxury megamalls.
Tuesday 18 August 2015
This afternoon we received a troubling report about a second attempted attack near the Sathorn Pier, a popular spot to access the Chao Phraya River. This explosion, reportedly a pipe bomb, detonated harmlessly in the water, although the footage is a bit frightening. Nobody was injured.
Speculation
It's a bit early to speculate about what's happening in Bangkok, or if there is really any danger. In my opinion, if someone or some group is carrying out an attack like this, they are trying to send a message. Someone should come forward very soon to claim responsibility. At that time, it will be easier to know what's really going on and which areas to avoid.
My Current Status
I would like to reiterate that I and everyone else I know were not, and (as far as I can see) are not in any immediate danger. Please remember that things like this can happen anywhere, and Bangkok is not an inherently unsafe city. As a matter of fact, I've said many times that I feel much safer day to day in Bangkok than I would in any major US city.
Please pray for Bangkok.
I will keep updating if things develop further.
