Thai Security Agencies Beef Up Operations After Bombings

[george]

Thai security agencies beef up operations after bombings

BANGKOK: -- Thailand's Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) will coordinate efforts to tighten national security and improve intelligence-gathering, following the deadly bomb attacks in Bangkok on New Year's Eve, according to a senior military officer.

Army chief-of-staff General Montri Sungkhasap, who serves as ISOC secretary-general, told reporters that, from Monday, there would be a daily meeting at ISOC headquarters to assess the situation.

Representatives from agencies involved including those from the Special Investigation Department, the Narcotics Control Board, and the Immigration Bureau would attend.

"The NSC will be the focal point as far as the national security is concerned. We will update the situation and report directly to the prime minister," Gen Montri stated.

He stressed the need for the public to be vigilant and report anything suspicious to the authorities immediately. Leaflets giving information about what the public should do when they see something suspicious will be distributed to raise awareness.

A special telephone hotline -- 1374 -- has been set up for the public to report suspected security-related incidents, in addition to the usual emergency numbers of 191, 1111, 1555, 1669.

Gen Montri also said that he would offer a reward to anyone who gave clues leading to the arrest of those behind the Bangkok bomb attacks.

--TNA 2007-01-10

[Mid]

much ado about nothing ,

aka

the horse has bolted , lets shut the gate

[Jai Dee]

Police and Internal Security Operations Command discussed national security

The Internal Security Operations Command director and Council for National Security (CNS) chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin presided over the conference to hand out the work policy to the Protection and Suppression Division of the Royal Thai Police. The policy aims to increase people’s confidence and relieve their worries.

The conference was held at the Royal Thai Police Club on Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road today (Jan 10), and was attended by high-ranking metropolitan and provincial police officials. The event also allowed the Internal Security Operations Command and the Royal Thai Police to discuss on security issues and safety measures for the country.

Gen. Sonthi together with Royal Thai Police commissioner-general Kowit Wattana delivered an official statement following the conference.

They spoke about the security being enforced in many different areas across the nation after the Bangkok bombings on New Year’s Eve and the measures to oversee public safety on National Children’s Day.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 January 2007

[Scott]

I am concerned about the immense amount of publicity that the gov't is making over it's security matters. This may have been a one-off thing, since there hasn't been any bombings since. Regardless of what it is, the gov't might want to hold it's cards a little closer to their chest if they really want to prevent/catch perpetrators.

All this security and meanwhile in the South.....

[Mid]

I am concerned about the immense amount of publicity that the gov't is making over it's security matters. This may have been a one-off thing, since there hasn't been any bombings since. Regardless of what it is, the gov't might want to hold it's cards a little closer to their chest if they really want to prevent/catch perpetrators.

All this security and meanwhile in the South.....

gotta agree ,

hel_l of a gamble ,

especially in anything does happen

[kmart]

I am concerned about the immense amount of publicity that the gov't is making over it's security matters. This may have been a one-off thing, since there hasn't been any bombings since. Regardless of what it is, the gov't might want to hold it's cards a little closer to their chest if they really want to prevent/catch perpetrators.

All this security and meanwhile in the South.....

I'd say they know exactly who is responsible for those Bkk bombings. Its just a part of the stampede at the trough after the coup... A pie-carving exercise.

Not that they'd miss any opportunity to use the publicity for extra funds though.

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sonthi and Gen. Kowit have affirmed that there is no hidden agenda between the two

Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief and the Council for National Security chairman, Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), has affirmed that there is no hidden agenda between him and Royal Thai Police (RTP) commissioner-general Kowit Watthana (โกวิท วัฒนะ).

Gen. Sonthi and Commissioner Kowit have jointly held a press conference to announce policies of Royal Thai Police, while informing new structure of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and handling measures to tackle threats. They also reiterated the need to foster harmony among authorities and policemen.

Gen. Sonthi and Gen. Kowit confirmed that conflicts between CNS and RTP have never taken place.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 10 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Gen Sonthi delivers policy for Internal Security Operations Command

The Commander in Chief of the Army has delivered policy for internal security agencies under the newly revamped Internal Security Operations Command.

Gen Sonthi Boonyaratrin, the Commander in Chief of the Army, and Chairman of the National Secruity Council, hosted a meeting on operations briefing for the end of 2006 and also reported on progress made in matters of national security for the start of 2007 following instructions from the Office of the Prime Minister for the restructuring of the Internal Security Operations Command. Gen Sonthi said the restructuring was intent on creating the highest efficiency, modifying responsibilities, and updating and alerting relevant agencies involved in national security operations.

Internal security agencies from every ministry, bureau, and department would be under the supervision of the Internal Security Operations Command. Gen Sonthi added that the agencies would work on meeting new strategic challenges, domestic affairs, and the unrest in the southern border provinces.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 12 January 2007

[andy1308]

Wednesday of this week was the first time that I has been stopped and my bag searched before entering an MRT station. That's a full 10 days after the events of the New Year. My initial feelings was that's great - I do feel safer, but why now? Why so long after? Are they expecting more events to happen?

I agree with Scott''s and Mid's earlier postings .. if anything does happen (and let's pray that it doesn't) there will be little confidence left and all the publicity about tougher security will backfire.