Explosions Injure 28 In Bangkok

Two explosions during today’s anti-government protest in Thailand’s capital, Bangkok, wounded 28 individuals.  Violent outbursts continued to grow during the week leading up to these explosions.  A bus was burned, two police officers were injured, and several people were injured in a shooting and at least eight people have died.

The explosions took place at a rally being led by protest leader Suthep Thaugsuban. Reports say that he was not injured and continued onto the stage after the explosions. One of the explosions took place near the National Stadium and the other near MBK shopping mall at Pathumwan Intersection, a popular tourist destination. Following the explosions, protesters carrying sticks began a building by building search looking for the source of the explosion.  According to officials, the scene was chaotic.

Officials expect the number of protestors to surge again this weekend as the anti-government protesters call for the removal of the Prime Minister.

The US Citizens Service in Bangkok sent out an emergency message overnight which warns of mass rallies at: Asoke, Pathumwan, Lumpini, Victory Monument, Ratchaprason, Lat Prao, Silom, and Changwattana.  The message warns Americans to avoid areas where protests are taking place and remain alert and aware of their surroundings.  The UK and Australian government have issued warnings recommending that their citizens refrain from all non-essential travel to Bangkok.  The United States has not yet issued a formal travel warning, but is urging citizens to remain cautious.

Emergency Information For Americans

Americans in Thailand can get information from the following locations:

The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy (http://bangkok.usembassy.gov/service.html) is located at 95 Wireless Road in Bangkok, and can be reached by calling 66-2-205-4049, or by e-mailing acsbkk@state.gov. The Embassy’s after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-2-205-4000.

The U.S. Consulate General in Chiang Mai (http://chiangmai.usconsulate.gov/service.html) is located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107-777 and by e-mail at acschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878.

Timeline Of Recent Events:

• Sep 2006: Army ousts Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra
• Dec 2007: Thaksin’s supporters win in general election
• Aug 2008: Former Primer Minister Thaksin flees Thailand for Dubai
• Dec 2008:  Anti-Thaksin protests occur and the court bans the ruling party
• Mar-May 2010: Massive pro-Thaksin protests occur and dozens are killed in an army crackdown
• Jul 2011: Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, sister of Thaksin, is elected
• Nov 2013: Anti-government protests occur in the capitol, Bangkok and throughout the country
• Dec 2013: Ms Yingluck calls for an election to be held in February
• Jan 2014: Some of the largest protests since 2010 are held in Bangkok and dozens are hurt and injured