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The Massive Bangkok Bomb that Didn’t Go Boom [S6.E58]

The Massive Bangkok Bomb that Didn’t Go Boom [S6.E58]

FromThe Bangkok Podcast


The Massive Bangkok Bomb that Didn’t Go Boom [S6.E58]

FromThe Bangkok Podcast

ratings:
Length:
30 minutes
Released:
Sep 26, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

In a return to our Thai history series, Greg tells the story of a massive truck bomb in Bangkok - that never exploded. In March of 1994, a U-Haul-style truck pulled out of the parking lot of Central Chidlom department store and accidentally struck a motorcycle driven by a 21-year old named Boonsern, who will become the unlikely hero of our story. The truck tried to flee, but a number of other motorbike guys forced the truck to stop. The driver of the truck was a foreigner and couldn’t speak Thai and convinced Boonsern and other witnesses to let him go into Central Chidlom to make a phone call. However, the driver never returned and effectively disappeared into the ether. However, when police opened up the now-abandoned truck, they found an insanely huge bomb that most likely would have decimated much of downtown Bangkok!  Although the exact target of the truck bomb has never been proven definitively, Thai police eventually focused on two suspects, one of whom was captured and served 4 years in prison. It is surmised that most likely the terrorists were targeting the Israeli Embassy, which was not far away. Although ‘almost’ stories usually aren’t too exciting, in this case we are happy that the climax never actually happened and Bangkok dodged a massive tragedy.  Don’t forget that Patrons get the ad-free version of the show as well as swag and other perks. And we’ll keep our Facebook, Twitter, and LINE accounts active so you can send us comments, questions, or whatever you want to share.
Released:
Sep 26, 2023
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

Online since 2010! Greg Jorgensen and Ed Knuth have been knocking around Bangkok since the turn of the century. Exploring dark corners, eating amazing food, and interacting with fascinating people, the two have gotten to know and love Thailand's capital in all its confusing, mysterious glory. Every week they chat about topics near and dear to those living here, those visiting here, or those who are just curious about what it's like to live in Asia's craziest city.