Fears of BKK bombings

General fears attacks in Bangkok

(BangkokPost.com) Breaking News

First Region Army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha Tuesday condemned
southern insurgents who staged Sunday night bombings and arson attacks
in the deep South, saying that they "attack people from behind."

Lt-Gen Prayuth said the attacks caused him to worry about possible
attacks in the central region, especially in Bangkok.

The concern was shared by Council for National Security chairman
Sonthi Boonyaratkalin, who told security agencies to watch out for
possible attacks during the Songkran festival in April.

Lt-Gen Prayuth added that there were still gaps in cooperation between
soldiers and police, which cause tracking down of suspects to be
slower.

He added that the army would step up security measures at locations
where arms and weapons were stored to prevent insurgents from breaking
in and stealing the weapons.

Thailand tells Canberra its bombing warning overstated

BANGKOK: -- Thai Deputy Foreign Minister Sawanit Kongsiri on Friday said that the ministry had informed the Australian government that the situation in Thailand had not worsened to such a level that it was necessary to warn Australian residents and visitors to Thailand -- tourists and businesspersons -- of possible bombings and other violence here.

The Australian Foreign Ministry recently issued a travel warning to Australians in Thailand to beware of possible bomb attacks by southern insurgents in the country.

Speaking before attending a security meeting chaired by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Mr. Sawanit said he might bring up the issue for discussion at the meeting where the ongoing southern unrest would be put on high agenda.

He said the ministry had already explained to Canberra that the situation in Thailand was not as bad as suggested in its warning.

"Canberra responded that it has a duty to warn its people of possible dangers," Mr. Sawanit said. If it fails to do that and the unfavourable incident really happens," he explained, "it may have to take the blame. So, it needs to give a warning first.

"What we must do is to clarify the situation and tell Canberra that such warnings will affect us," Mr. Sawanit said, especially if nothing happens.

Canberra said it had received the information from Thailand's National Intelligence Office, he said.

--TNA 2007-03-09