More bombs today ? Who to believe ?

[Hmmm]

Canada today reported that the Thai Interior Ministry has issued a new security alert today:
"The Thai Ministry of the Interior issued a security alert for Bangkok on February 23, 2007, due to reports of possible attacks targeting public places such as shopping centres and public transportation."
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en. ... try=290000 (http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/report-en.asp?country=290000)

Australia seems to have read this alert as a warning referring particularly to the potential for bombs today, Feb 23:
"Reports indicate possible bombing attacks at crowded places such as department stores, and sky-train and subway stations in Bangkok on Friday 23 February 2007."
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/ ... e/Thailand (http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Thailand)

Reading the English language Thai dailies online through most of the day, no such warning was forthcoming. Dangers were discussed only in vague terms ...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/t ... ?id=116995 (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=116995)

Eventually the Bangkok Post and Nation reported the fact that Australia had issued a warning !
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... ?id=117010 (http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=117010)
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02 ... 027702.php (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/02/23/headlines/headlines_30027702.php)

Up to their usual standard of investigative journalism, the papers missed the fact that at least one other government had issued similar warnings, which might have led them to put in a call to the Interior Ministry to ascertain the truth.

[TrongpaiExpat]

I just got in via the MTA and noticed the armed MRT police on the platforms rather than the regular unarmed security guards, and lots of them spread out more than usual. The baggage checks were done by the usual guards in the usual fast and casual manner.

Still Current at: 23 February 2007
Updated: 22 February 2007
Thailand

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with amendments to the Summary and the Terrorism/Security section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
SUMMARY
* We advise against all but essential travel to, or through, the far southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where there is continuing violence due to insurgency and civil unrest. Since January 2004, there have been regular attacks including bombings and shootings. Most recently, on 18 and 19 February 31 bombs exploded in the far southern provinces. The Thai Government has declared a serious state of emergency in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

* There is a high threat from terrorism throughout Thailand. Attacks could be indiscriminate and against civilian targets in public places including those places frequented by foreigners.

* On 31 December 2006, eight bombs exploded in various locations in Bangkok, killing three people and injuring at least 36 others including six foreigners. As a result, the Thai authorities have strengthened security in Bangkok. The possibility of further attacks cannot be ruled out. You should exercise caution when travelling within Bangkok.

* On 19 September 2006, there was a coup against the Thai civilian government and martial law was imposed throughout the country. An interim Prime Minister was appointed on 1 October 2006 and on 26 January 2007 martial law was lifted in 41 (of the total of 76) provinces, including Bangkok. There remains a risk of further political instability in Thailand. You are advised to avoid any demonstrations and large crowds.

* Penalties for possession, distribution or manufacture of drugs are severe and can include the death penalty.

* Outbreaks of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) in Thailand have resulted in a small number of human fatalities. As a precaution, you should avoid live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where you may come into close contact with domestic, caged or wild birds; and ensure poultry and egg dishes are thoroughly cooked. For further information see Health section below and also read the FCOтАЩs Avian and Pandemic Influenza Factsheet.

* Around 750,000 British tourists visit Thailand every year. The main types of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Thailand are arrests (mostly drug related); hospital cases (especially road accidents); and deaths, mostly from natural causes and road accidents. The majority of consular cases occur in Bangkok, Pattaya and Koh Samui.

* We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pag ... 3618386505 (http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket%2FXcelerate%2FShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590&a=KCountryAdvice&aid=1013618386505)

well, it's nice to know all this, on the 24th at that. I wouldn't even be looking here but I got a frantic email from my sister in law in Connecticut who knew I was leaving from Bangkok on the 23rd and was very worried.