go 40 - go 40 - go 40 - Cheer

		Wednesday

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"... the male flight attendant suspected of thievery went running down the aisle as if his hair were on fire..."

55555 

Flight Attendants Rob Airline Passengers

Flight attendants on a Cebu Pacific flight to China stole over $1250 from their unsuspecting passengers. The money was recovered from the plane's toilet.

WEIRDASIANEWS.COM

		Wednesday

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Who done it

Thai Police Identify Suspect in Bangkok Bombing,
but Motive Remains Unknown
TIME

Hans-Jürgen Lenz

There tends to be a blame game before the facts are unravelled.

		Wednesday

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Yesterday's Science Fiction is tomorrow's Reality

		Wednesday

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Rattled Nerves BKK

U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Security Message

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

This message is to inform U.S. citizens in Thailand that local law enforcement and media sources are reporting a suspicious explosion at the Sathorn Pier beneath the Taksin bridge along the Chao Phraya River this afternoon, Aug 18. There are no reports of damage or injuries. Please stay clear of the affected area, including the Saphan Taksin BTS station, while authorities investigate. Monitor media reports for further information.

Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security and follow instructions of local authorities


We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Thailand enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at www.Travel.State.Gov. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy or nearest U.S. consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Thailand. For additional information, refer to “A Safe Trip Abroad” on the State Department’s website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

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.

		Wednesday

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Travel Insurance Considerations

Most Insurance companies do not insure tourists vacationing in Thailand at the moment.  Thailand does furnish insurance for tourists upon arrival called Thailand Travel Shield  The insurance has two options with a payout limit of 1,000,000 or 2,000,000 Baht (US$30,000 or $60,000).
Considering the recent injuries and deaths in Bangkok, this coverage seems far from sufficient

	Tuesday

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See what's happening at SkyScraperCity

Click on image opens link in new window

SAKON NAKHON "City of Beautiful lake,                                                   Beautiful Mountain                                   and Beautiful Girl"

	Tuesday

Sakon Nakhon

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The tally of dead and injured will most likely be adjusted.

Not trying to be obnoxious here, but I am surprised that Bangkok had escaped such a major incident for many years.
  
I have always been a firm believer in massive numbers of CCTV surveillance.  It might not stop such heinous violence, but it helps in tracking down the criminals.

Again without sounding offensive, this may impact Thai tourism and economy

	Tuesday

U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates

U.S. Embassy Bangkok

Emergency Message

Monday, August 17, 2015

This message is to inform U.S. citizens in Thailand that according to local law enforcement, an explosion took place at approximately 7:00 pm August 17, at the Rachaprasong intersection in the central commercial district of Bangkok (near the Erawan Shrine, Central World mall, and overhead bisection of the two Skytrain lines). Media outlets are reporting multiple casualties. Local law enforcement and emergency services are responding and U.S. Embassy personnel are liaising closely with local authorities to gather information. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area and monitor local media for updates.

U.S. citizens who travel to or reside in Thailand are strongly advised to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) https://step.state.gov/step/. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By enrolling, you make it easier for the U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in case of an emergency.

Unless otherwise indicated in a public announcement, the U.S. Embassy is open for all routine American Citizens Services by appointment. U.S. citizens needing emergency assistance do not need an appointment. 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), located at 387 Wichayanond Road in Chiang Mai, is also open unless otherwise indicated. The American Citizen Services Unit of the Consulate General can be reached by calling 66-53-107- 777 and by e-mail atacschn@state.gov. The after-hours emergency telephone number is 66-81-881-1878. You can also follow the U.S. Embassy in Bangkok's American Citizen Services Unit on Twitter for further updates.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained on travel.state.govhttp://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html or by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

U.S. citizens should also consult the Department of State's Country Specific Information for Thailandhttp://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/thailand.html. Stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/english.html, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings.html as well as the Worldwide Caution http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/alertswarnings/worldwide-caution.html. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/travelgov and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on facebook https://www.facebook.com/travelgov as well.

	Tuesday