Govt Agrees To Step Up Security Measures

[george]

Govt agrees to step up security measures to 'APEC-level'

BANGKOK: -- The Thai government has agreed to beef up security measures at the country's all airports, railways stations, bus terminals and other major public places to a highest international standard level equivalent to those in place during the kingdom's host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings two years ago (APEC 2003), according to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai told journalsits that the agreement was reached at a meeting of authorities involving in national security affairs held here this morning.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai chaired the meeting at the Government House, in which all commanders-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and other top-ranked military and police officers, as well as cabinet members involved took part.

He said that state authorities had successfully detected a man suspected of involving in a bomb attack at the Hat Yai Airport in Songkhla Province last night from a close circuit TV system at the airport.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai avoided to give more details, but local journalists said that the suspected insurgent had already been arrested by local security officers.

Three explosions took place almost simultaneously in Hat Yai, Thailand's famous southern business district in Songkhla Sunday evening, killing two people and injuring over 60 others totally, three of whom were reported to be foreigners.

The first explosion took place at the Dream World Palace Hotel in Hat Yai.

A couple of minutes later, another bomb exploded at the departure hall of the Hat Yai Airport, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen

It was found that the second explosion was caused by a bomb hidden in a passenger’s baggage.

Airport officials had sealed off the area before the airport was re-opened hours later.

The explosive device was believed to have attached to a motorcycle and detonated by a remote control.

The third explosion took place at France-based Carrefour Supermarket at the heart of Hat Yai, injuring dozens more of people.

The current spate of violent unrest has swept through Thailand's deep South since the beginning of last year, leaving hundreds of people dead.

The three bomb attacks came just days after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra announced that the government might scale back security forces deployed in the deep South after he officially appointed the Independent Commission for National Reconciliation, headed by former prime minister Anand Panyarachun and comprising of experienced personnel from all sectors, including those from the opposition and academics, to jointly work out effective measures to restore peace and order in the country's southern border region.

This morning Prime Minister Thaksin Shinwatra expressed his regret for the victims of the bomb attacks and condemned all insurgents involved.

He had ordered security measures to be briefed up at all transport means throughout the country where the number of passengers and tourists are rising-- just days before the nationwide Songkran celebrations.

The Thai leader said, however, that the government would carry on its attempts to resort to peaceful means to restore peace and order in the region

Pol. Gen. Chidchai said that the beefed up security measures had already been in place.

--TNA 2005-04-04

[sriracha john]

Govt agrees to step up security measures to 'APEC-level' 

BANGKOK: --  The Thai government has agreed to beef up security measures

the country's all airports, railways stations, bus terminals and other major public places to a highest international standard level equivalent to those in place during the kingdom's host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Meetings two years ago (APEC 2003), according to Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Pol. Gen. Chidchai Vanasatidya.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai chaired the meeting at the Government House, in which all commanders-in-chief of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and other top-ranked military and police officers, as well as cabinet members involved took part.

.The current spate of violent unrest has swept through Thailand's deep South since the beginning of last year, leaving hundreds of people dead..

He had ordered security measures to be briefed up at all transport means throughout the country where the number of passengers and tourists are rising-- just days before the nationwide Songkran celebrations.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai said that the beefed up security measures had already been in place.

--TNA 2005-04-04

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

and from a separate thread:

I guess that would make some people feel more comfortable, but I recall on at least eight occasions in the past 6 months about how security was "tightened", "stepped up", "increased", "ratcheted up", or "beefed up" or

(fill in the blank) , as the result of any one of the multitudes of incidents in the South. The government's words are ringing hollow now...

I guess taking it to "APEC level" is a further tightening, stepping up, increasing, ratcheting up, and beefing up of security...

[astral]

People have been pointing out the obvious holes in the airport security

for years. No-one has taken any notice.

Why should this be any different?