http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_new ... ?id=115636
BOMB ATTACKS REPORTED IN BANGKOK
(BangkokPost.com)
A number of bombs or grenades have exploded in Bangkok early on New Year's Eve, wounding dozens of people in at least two places. At least three people were reported killed.
Early reports said there were six explosions in various parts of the capital. Two were reported near the Klong Toey market, and near the Victory Monument.
TV reports said there was a large explosive device in the Saphan Kwai area of Bangkok, where one person was reportedly killed. Unconfirmed reports telephoned to BangkokPost.com said there was a bombing at Seacon Square, the largest mall in Asia, in the east end of Bangkok. A fifth explosion was reported from Sukhumvit Soi 62, a major intersection with the capital's main expressway system.
"There was no warning. It is quite shocking. We've got at least one child very seriously injured in my area and others are injured," said Police Maj-Gen Anand Srisiran, chief of Metropolitan Police District Five.
Witnesses told police in some places that they saw people throwing what looked to be grenades shortly before they explosions.
New Year's Eve parties were just kicking off when the bombs began going off shortly after sundown at 6 p.m.
The coordinated attacks are unprecedented in Bangkok.
However, political feelings have run high for more than a year, and there have been reports of political violence aimed against the military junta which ousted ex-premier Thaksin Shinawatra on Sept 19 - primarily the suspected burning of schools.
In addition, some intelligence sources had suggested in the past two weeks that Islamist extremists leading the southern insurgency might try to spread their attacks to the capital. They have never operated out of the deep South.
The number and extent of casualties were unknown immediately after the explosions. Graphic footage shown on television showed damaged vehicles and blood-stained streets and pavements.
Except for the insurgency in the four southernmost provinces, there has been no deadly political violence in Thailand for more than 14 years, when a popular protest overthrew the last military government. In that case, the violence and deaths were caused by the military government and armed forces.
Martial law was lifted in Bangkok and surrounding provinces just a month ago, but the military is authorised to act when necessary. The coup passed its 100-day anniversary on Dec 28.
The junta leader and army commander, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, is currently out of Thailand, on the Haj in Saudi Arabia, and will not return until Thursday.
Officials said Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont might speak tonight to the press and the nation.
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