Just a quick note: We came back from Bangkok a day early and are back safe in Isan, so were fortunate enough to avoid the bombings.

I got a touch of the stomach flu or something but am toughing it out and watching the news.

Be safe, everyone.

UPDATE:
More bombs exploded just after midnight. There were reports that a bomb either exploded or was found to be a false alarm at Buddy Bar on Khao Sarn Road (this area, and this bar, always full of foreigners, might have been the most politically significant target).

This map from the BBC site shows the confirmed explosion locations before midnight.

I am shocked.

It's COLD outside. I'm in Thailand, and it's COLD outside. Granted, I was standing on my veranda in my boxers, but it's genuinely cold! In Thailand!

I'm so happy, I could cry! But I think I'll take a midnight shower and bask in the shivering COLDNESS instead (this weather will only last until February, apparently).

OK, this still doesn't explain why some people on the street are wearing winter parkas (!), or why there are earmuffs and wool scarves (!!) on sale at the department stores (it's cold enough for me to use a warm blanket at night - perhaps for the first time, here - but I'm pretty sure I'll never need anything warmer than long sleeve shirts during the day).

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Ha ha, I just took a shower and I'm freezing my ass off! In Thailand!

This is like the best day of my life.