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Embassies warn of terror threat to Bangkok
At least three Western embassies in Thailand updated their warnings Friday about possible terrorism in Thailand after the country's defense minister said Muslim insurgents in the south could extend their attacks to the capital, Bangkok.The Australian, Canadian and British embassies both revised their advisories cautioning travelers to exercise caution in Bangkok as well as the south the scene of a bloody three-year insurgency. The U.S. Embassy, however, did not change its standing advice to exercise care in both areas. Thai Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya said that although Bangkok should be on the alert for terrorism, he did not anticipate any imminent attacks, the state Thai News Agency reported. The travel advisory from Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said the overall level of advice for Thailand suggesting a "high degree of caution" remained the same, but that it continued to receive reports "that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including places frequented by foreigners." "Reports indicate possible bombing attacks at crowded places such as department stores, and sky-train and subway stations in Bangkok on Friday 23 February 2007," said the advisory, which did not specify the origin of the information. A spokeswoman for the Australian Embassy did not return call asking for more details. Canada's Foreign Affairs Ministry "advised against non-essential travel to the capital, Bangkok," citing what it said was a Thai Interior Ministry security alert based on "reports of possible attacks targeting public places such as shopping centers and public transportation." Police Lt. Gen. Thiradet Rodphothong, chief of the Thailand's Special Branch police division, said there was no intelligence information specifying that an attack could take place Friday, though rumors to that effect had circulated in the Thai media. He added, however, that the authorities would take special precautions on a major Buddhist holiday, Makha Bucha, on March 3, when there is the possibility of an attack "because there will be a large number of people gathering for religious events." Ian Proud, deputy spokesman for the British Embassy, said it had no information specifically suggesting an attack was likely on Friday. He said the embassy's increased concern was based on announcements by Thai government agencies that security was being increased. "We are not referring to today as a specific risk but there remains a possibility of attacks happening at any time in the future," he said. Posted by: ryuge 2007-02-24 |
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