Bombs over Bangkok

Times here in Bangkok have been very interesting in the past few months. Coups, that Karr guy, and now the bombings. One of the bombings happened at my favorite seafood restaurant in the city. Another bomb that did not explode was found on Khao San Road, where we had originally intended to go to see in the New Year. Another bomb that did not explode was found at one of my favorite night-life spots, Lumphini Night Bazaar. One of the bombs was near my ex-girlfriend's apartment. So this is pretty scary. Usually when you hear about bombings, it feels remote, in some place you've never been and likely never will go. Not for these ones! Oh, how real it is. I even heard the ambulances and fire trucks going to the sites of the bombings.

As for who did it, most seem to believe it's people loyal to the pre-coup government, and not the Islamist groups who have been responsible for the bombings in the far south of the country. However, no one has claimed responsibility as of yet.

For the latest, The Nation and The Bangkok Post are the two English-language newspapers here. They seem to keep pretty up-to-date information.

So that, in conjuction with the recent break up, had the makings for a pretty sad New Year's Eve, since if everything would have gone as planned, I would have been with her down in Trang on the beach celebrating, and then off to Malaysia for a few days. But I hung out with some friends at an apartment with a great view of the city. We took in the fireworks and an excellent view.

The streets are pretty quiet today, and everyone is being urged to stay in. Hopefully this does not continue, and keep too many tourists away.

Hail progress!