Agent advice on Bangkok bombing
A bomb has exploded outside a religious shrine in a bustling hub of the Thai capital, killing at least 21 people and injuring more than 120 others in an attack authorities said targeted foreigners.
The blast occurred about 6.30pm (2130 AEST) on Monday when the streetside Erawan Shrine close to upscale shopping malls was packed with worshippers and tourists. There are unconfirmed media reports that another bomb may have been defused.
Police confirmed 19 people were killed, including 10 Thais, one Chinese and one Filipino citizen. More than 120 others were injured, according to police.
The nationalities of the other people who died were not immediately clear.
“I heard a very loud bang, it made the whole building shake so I ran outside to see what had happened,” Panupan Chansing, 20, a hotel worker at the nearby Grand Hyatt Erawan, told AFP.
“I saw bodies lying on the ground and I saw vehicles on fire. I feel very sad and sorry that this has happened to Thai people … I’m scared.”
The attack is likely to raise concerns about the safety of tourists in the city – and the timing is particularly bad for Thailand’s travel industry.
The bomb exploded in the heart the city, at the Erawan Shrine, a popular attraction for both tourists and locals at the Ratchaprasong intersection in the busy Chidlom shopping district.
Several major hotel chains have branches in the vicinity, per Telegraph UK reports, including Holiday Inn, InterContinental, Renaissance and Grand Hyatt. Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s only bit of green space, lies a few blocks to the south.
Frances Geoghegan, currently in Bangkok and managing director of Cleveland Collection, a tour operator that offers packages to Thailand, said extra security had already been put in place at some of the city’s larger hotels.
Erawan Shrine is located directly next to the Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel. The hotel said in a statement: “The safety and security of our guests, colleagues, and neighbors is a top priority. Following news of the explosion, Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok opened its doors to allow the public to seek refuge during this tragedy.
“Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok is working with authorities during their investigation and will look to see how the hotel can work with relief organizations as the situation unfolds.”
The Skywalk from the Hyatt, the Holiday Inn, the Intercontinental Hotel, and the Erewan Shopping District between the BTS (Skytrain) Chidlom and Siam stations will remain closed until Tuesday.
According to Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Aussie travellers are being warned to exercise a high degree of caution, and in the regions of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, the Government has changed its travel advice to “Do not travel”.
Bangkok has endured years of deadly political violence, with a military junta now ruling the nation, and a decades-long Muslim insurgency in the far south that has claimed thousands of lives.
Police spokesman Prawut Thavornsiri told AFP the blast was likely politically motivated and designed to bring “chaos”.
Thailand’s defence minister said the bombing was aimed at foreigners in an attempt to damage the country’s tourist industry, which is a rare bright spot in an otherwise gloomy economy.
“It was a TNT bomb … the people who did it targeted foreigners and to damage tourism and the economy,” said Prawit Wongsuwong, a former general who is believed to have been one of the key coup-makers.
No one claimed responsibility for the attack, however, and it was unclear immediately who was responsible.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has urged tourists in the city to avoid the area and to remain vigilant travelling through busy parts of the city and report anything suspicious to police or security officers.
Flights currently are continuing to operate to and from the city as normal. According to TAT, all transport links in central Bangkok are running as usual but while the intersection is investigated there may be disruption to traffic.
Hotels and shopping malls in the surrounding area will be open as usual from today, while all other tourist attractions and services are open and operating as usual.
Islamic militants have carried out many attacks in other parts of Southeast Asia, including on Indonesia’s holiday island of Bali in 2002 that killed 202 people.
But they have not made Thailand a prime target.
A government spokesman said it was too early to speculate on who was behind the attack.
Glass was strewn across the street after the explosion inside the gates to the shrine, which is in the central Chidlom district close to the famous Sukhmuvit Road shopping strip.
Charred and shattered motorcycles littered the scene, alongside hunks of concrete, with pools of blood on the pavement and two bodies crumpled on the steps of the shrine.
The attack drew quick condemnation internationally, with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s office releasing a statement saying he was shocked.
“He expresses his condolences to the bereaved families and to the people and government of Thailand,” the statement said.
“He hopes that those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Latest News
CATO commemorates 25 years with anniversary dinner
The Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) has announced its 25th Anniversary Dinner that will not only commemorate CATO’s historic milestones but will also provide an invaluable opportunity for members to network and reflect on numerous significant achievements. This prestigious event for members will be held at the Sydney Hilton Hotel on Thursday, 20 June, […]
Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024 opens with a vibrant ceremony at Sofitel Fiji Resort, Denarau
The two-day Fiji Tourism Exchange 2024, opened with a vibrant ceremony at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Denarau. A pinnacle event in the South Pacific tourism calendar, the event brings together industry stakeholders from across the globe to delve into Fiji’s tourism offerings and cultivate long-lasting business relationships. Acting Prime Minister and Minister […]
Raes on Wategos celebrates 30th birthday and guests get the presents
World famous luxury boutique hotel Raes on Wategos, in Byron Bay, has launched its 30th birthday celebrations with a Raes Indulgent Escape package. Available for all stays of two nights or more, from June to August, the curated package offers an invitation to indulge in a shared celebration of Raes 30th birthday, whilst revelling in […]
Seabourn’s two new value-add offers for 2024-25
Luxe cruise line Seabourn is offering two value-added promotions featuring must-have fares and a generous shipboard credit for guests seeking to book their next voyage. The exclusive “A Sail to Remember” Event includes must-have fares on most Seabourn ultra-luxury ocean and expedition voyages in October 2024 and beyond. The “More Moments on Us” Event offers […]
PONANT commercial team expands to meet growing demand in APAC
Luxury exploration cruise line Ponant has announced significant updates to their Asia Pacific commercial team in response to accelerated growth across the region. “These structural enhancements signify Ponant’s dedication to meeting the evolving needs of our valued trade partners in the Asia Pacific region,” general manager sales & marketing, Asia Pacific, Deb Corbett said. “We […]
Gen Z and millennials on track for rise in Europe rail trips, says TruTravels
Despite what you think, Gen Z and Millennials are not 'off the rails', but instead want a fast track to Europe.
$230m joint Novotel & ibis Styles Melbourne Airport hotel prepares to open
Dear all business travellers, you're Melbourne experience just got a whole lot better.
Envoyage premieres Worldwide 2024 in Santiago
There has been a warm reception for 300 attendees at Envoyage's gabfest in Santiago, Chile.
Disney Destinations launches epic Aussie agent incentive
Everyone needs a bit of Disney in their life (apparently) and agents can get their next dose for free here.
IPW 2024: 960,000 Aussies took the trek to the Land of the Free last year
Nearly 6,000 travel industry reps descend on LA. Thankfully for all of their bosses, it's not in Vegas.
Nauru Airlines offers new direct flights from Brisbane to Palau on ‘Paradise Express’
No more island hopping to Palau as Nauru Airlines hits this boundary six.
Etihad Airways boosts connectivity with five interline partnerships
Etihad high fives itself with interline partnerships announcing a handful of new airlines, including Rex.
Discover the enchantment of India – A tale of timeless cities
Whether you're game enough to test out the street food or not, we recon India should be top of your list.
Qantas cops $100m penalty with passengers to get $20m back over cancelled flights
Qantas cops a $100m civil penalty, passengers to get back $20m over cancelled flights to resolve ACCC court battle.
Body found off Sydney Heads suspected to be missing cruiser
Tragic developments onboard Pacific Adventure this morning.
Wendy Wu Tours ‘Wonderlust Sale’ offers the wonders of the world for less
More for less... Great news for all apart from Wendy's wallet.
Booking.com launches AI Trip Planner in Australia and New Zealand
Booking.com launches new AI feature in Aus. We're hoping AI never gets the nuance involved with writing these jokes.
Voyages celebrates 40 years at Uluru with two new immersive experiences
No plans for celebrating your 40th this year? Here's a hot tip from us.
SkyDeck: The inflight entertainment you could never have imagined
Forget those external cameras you can live stream while in the air... With SkyDeck you can check it out for yourself.
Second Boeing whistleblower dies of ‘mystery infection’
Joshua Dean died from a fast-growing mystery infection on Tuesday.
Aussie winners of American Airlines ‘Sell Your Way to the USA’ announced
Show me the money! For the winners, Sell Your Way to the USA was worth getting involved in.
ANZCRO celebrates 30th with special edition of iconic New Zealand Book
Choice bro! ANZCRO celebrates its 30th with a special edition of its iconic New Zealand Book. Chur!
Room to move at Cairns Harbourside Hotel with ‘spacious’ new family package
Moody teens can eat two-minute noodles while younger brothers and sisters get to eat free with mum and dad. Win, win!
A&K unveils lavish around the world wildlife adventure in private jet
The kind of holiday that if you need to ask the cost, you probably can't afford it.
Flight Centre and Reforest hit one million trees target early
Nice one Flight Centre, we think you've earned an early Friday knockoff.
New cruise options spearhead stacked APT 2025 program
Just in case you thought you were running out of cruise itineraries, APT's here with a fresh batch.
Travel Weekly announces a new team to helm Australia’s No.1 travel trade title
Some shameless self-promotion from us, but we thought you needed to know who's bringing you the news.
IHG reveals plans for Brisbane’s first Kimpton in 2028
Just another reason to book that trip to Brisvegas. But don't jump the gun, it's not open until 2028.
Cruiseabout’s first store in five years opens in Perth
Perth gets a break from being behind the rest of the country with the addition of the first Cruiseabout store.
ATAS complaints process acknowledges non-economic loss
A High Court case win over 'disappointment and distress' on a cruise gone wrong prompts ATIA complaints change.
Cunard previews new Queen Anne
Yep, this one does exactly what it says on the tin.
Bunnik Tours unveils latest expansion to Iceland
Just as the Icelandic vikings did many years ago, Bunnik is expanding into new territories.
Australia’s first glamping retreat turns 25
25th anniversary gifts usually come in silver. Ours comes in the way of a news story.
Embrace the journey: Traversing the world with the Shokz OpenRun
If you’ve been on the wrong side of a final call in the airport, or missed the stop on rail journey, it might be time to invest in a pair of Shokz OpenRun headphones. Originally marketed as headphones for fitness fanatics, runners or cyclists with a keen to steer clear of a prang with a car, […]
Tourism Western Australia MD Carolyn Turnbull departs
Turnbull hints her new role will see her staying in the tourism and hospitality industry and who can blame her?
DriveAway launches Brit-Euro Blitz campaign
If agents can put the foot down quick enough and get involved, there are some great prizes to be won.