Safe and well in Bangkok

As you may know there were several bomb explosions in Bangkok last night, cancelling the New Years Eve celebrations, killing three and injuring many more.

We are well, in fact we didn't find out until midday today, while watching CNN during lunch.

We were however in the vicinity of the bombings last night although we are not sure about timing. We went to the cinema (The Nativity Story) at 7pm. Apparently the first bombs went off around 6.30-6.45. When we came out of the theatre at 9pm we were surprised to find that the mall was closed, we assumed it was to do with NY celebrations. We were ushered out of the mall in a strange way.

When we emerged into the street we saw lots of people milling around, usual for NY. But then there were dozens of police lining up into military formation wearing riot gear. We figured that they were expecting lots of people for the countdown.

Turns out they had cancelled the NY celebrations in both Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Good thing too because more explosions happened near the mall where we were at around midnight. They think if the party had been going there would have been lots of casualties.

So, we are very grateful to God for looking after us yet again. We had originally planned to stay in that area to see the NY in. But then we were tired and unanimously agreed (very unusual for us) to head back to Khao San Road (SE Asia back-packer mecca) and bed.

Things seem to be carrying on as usual here on Khao San. And if we hadn't happened to watch the news while eating lunch we may still not know the news..... strange to be a traveller sometimes.

Here is the best run-down on the WWW, thanks to the Beeb. We watched the film at the Central World Plaza. Here is The Nation's report of the bombing in this area. We had left well before this.

Tonight we are planning to catch a bus down to the southern islands. We think this should be safe, but we ask for your prayers & best wishes for us and other people affected.

All our love & New Year's wishes
Michael & Christine

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