Unusual media release by Tourism Authority of Thailand re Bangkok bombings

In an unusual media response two days after the bombings in Bangkok, the Tourism Authority of Thailand issued a media statement giving details of the bombings, which have already been covered in global media.

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The release said the following: –

At around 18.30 hrs. (Bangkok time) on December 31, 2006, a total of 5 explosions rocked the capital of Bangkok and Nonthaburi Province. The areas where explosions occurred or about to occur were:
– Victory Monument: 4 injured, 1 dead.
– Saphan Khwai: 2 injured.
– Sukhumvit 62: No injuries.
– Khlong Toei: 6 injured, 1 dead.
– Khae Lai intersection, Nonthaburi: No injuries.
– Parking area of Seacon Square: Bomb defused.

The National Police Office has issued an order for all 100,000 police officers nationwide to be on full alert and the police are now descending in force into populated areas. This force is being supported by soldiers of the army in the Central Region.

Crime Scene Investigators and bomb experts from the army are attempting to determine the type of explosives used.

No individuals or organizations have claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The police have asked the public to be on the lookout for suspicious conduct or items in public places, and have also asked for calm while the authorities undertake investigation and implement security measures.

Countdown celebrations at Central World and Sanam Luang have been cancelled. TAT is calling an urgent conference to determine if Chiang Mai celebrations organized by the organization will continue as scheduled.

Siam Paragon shopping center reported many shops have closed due to a bomb threat directed at the complex.

Pattaya and Hat Yai report no cancellations and numerous tourists enjoying festivities as normal.

Following six explosions in the evening of December 31, 2006, in Bangkok, there were two subsequent explosions in downtown Bangkok shortly before midnight. The explosions happened in the area of Central World Plaza. One bomb exploded in a telephone booth in front of Arnoma Hotel, near Gaysorn Plaza. Another exploded at a boat pier on Saen Saep Canal near Central World Plaza.

Latest reports by AFP news agency indicate that the seven foreign tourists injured were 2 Britons, 2 Serbians, 1 American, and 2 Hungarians. All the injured are now being hospitalized in hospitals around Bangkok. There are no confirmed foreign fatalities. A Thai man died of his injuries in the morning of January 1, bringing the total of Thai deaths to 3.

The Minister of Tourism and Sports visited the injured last night, and today flowers from TAT executives will be taken to hospitals to comfort injured tourists. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the Ministry of Public Health have confirmed that every possible medical care will be provided to injured tourists and Thais.

TAT domestic offices all reported no effect from the Bangkok bombings and that celebrations continued as normal without incident. TAT Head Office has asked TAT domestic offices to provide updates and these will be relayed to TAT overseas offices soon.

In Bangkok, the military has bolstered security in the capital by adding more troops and the Tourist Police have now been deployed in force in all major tourist spots.

Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom have all issued warnings for their nationals to reconsider travel to Bangkok and to stay indoors in case the nationals were already there.

All countdown celebrations in Bangkok and Chiang Mai were cancelled following the six explosions earlier on the evening of December 31. All other provincial celebrations took place as scheduled.

TAT Seoul has reported no cancellations, no warnings of restrictions against traveling to Thailand and no immediate news on Koreans in Thailand being in danger. TAT Head Office is compiling reports from all TAT overseas offices.

Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said based on the government’s information and intelligence agencies, it was the work of people who lost power, but he could not clearly say which group was behind it.

Dr. Suvit Yodmani, the Minister of Tourism and Sports, gave an interview to the media at Bumrungrad Hospital where he was visiting tourists injured in the blasts and said that there may be some short-term effects on the tourism industry but everything should return to normal quickly if there are no further incidents.

Reports from the following TAT domestic offices indicated no violence in regional areas and celebrations during the holidays continued on schedule:
– Nakhon Si Thammarat
– Ubon Ratchathani
– Pattaya
– Trang
– SuratThani
– Mae Hong Son
– Krabi
– Lop Buri
– Nakhon Nayok

Hotel occupancy ranged from 60%-90%. Travel in the provinces continued unabated. Many hotels and resorts held countdown celebrations. Top tourist destinations experienced large numbers of Thais and foreign tourists celebrating the New Year.

There has been a noticeable increase in security at airports, bus terminals, train stations, and light rail stations in Bangkok. The government has augmented the existing security force with additional personnel and patrol dogs. In addition, the Ministry of Interior has set up a special communications center for 7 days to coordinate security efforts nationwide.

Since the last two explosions in the Central World area, there have been no further bombings in Bangkok. An explosion occurred at a mosque in Chiang Mai and that is under investigation.

Released by International Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Bangkok

Report by The Mole