7 bombs across Thailand in coordinated attack

[Nevernose]

http://time.com/4449653/thailand-bombing-what-to-know/

I'm in Phuket at the moment a little nervous. Usually I wouldn't let these things alter my behavior -- bombings aren't entirely uncommon in Thailand -- but we're definitely canceling our plans to go see the big kickboxing match tonight.

People I've talked to -- just regular Thai folks -- are split between believing it was Muslim political violence or "regular" political violence. No one has taken credit yet, and there is ample reason to suspect either group. Most people just think whoever did it were a bunch of assholes. Whoever it was was coordinated as hell, because they hit multiple cities in Souhern Thailand with bombs believed to have been on timers. The part that Time leaves out is that there were three fake bombs found yesterday in Patong, a super-touristy area.

[CentralMass]

1. Stay safe.

[Nevernose]

2. Up to 11 bombs in 24 hours

Many European governments have issued travel warnings.

36 wounded, 6 dead. At least 3 of the dead were simple street vendors (a fairly common, humble job in Asia).

Current government think is that, due to the location and targets (tourist areas, all in the south), it's Islamic fundamentalists; they've been fighting for independence in the most southern province for generations; full burkas are a common sight. No arrests made yet, but "indicators" point to Souhern (Muslim) group.

Personally, because they just voted in a new constitution AND it's the Queen's birthday (a big shit deal), I think political radicals are equally as possible. It serves the military dictatorship to blame Muslims. They're already a legitimate enemy, and blaming political opponents just casts a shadow over the new constitution and makes it appear as if the people aren't united.

Definitely staying in tonight. Found a bootleg DVD vendor, bought some movies, bought some beer.