Isoc Eases Fears About Possible Attacks In Bangkok

[webfact]

Isoc eases fears about possible attacks in capital

By The Nation

Published on January 1, 2010

There has not been any specific intelligence about possible attacks in Bangkok by the insurgent group Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) during the New Year holiday break, the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) said yesterday.

Responding to news reports over attack threats in the capital, Isoc spokesman Maj-General Ditthaphorn Sasasamit said he had not heard about RKK planning such attacks, but a number of the group's members had trained abroad and infiltrated into Thailand, and were now based in the deep South.

"Isoc intelligence officers are monitoring the situation around the clock and verify and double check all tip-offs, before seeking approval from the Isoc leadership and giving any public warnings," he added.

He did not specifically explain whether the RKK infiltration reports were linked to a statement this week by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra, warning against general insurgent attacks in Bangkok. Sukhumbhand gave details of Bangkok-based hideouts in Bang Kapi district, but has not spoken about it again, nor backed up his remarks.

Col Banphot Phoolphien, spokesman of the forward Isoc operation based in the deep South, said RKK operatives had regularly infiltrated the strife-torn areas where there were around 2 million locals who sympathised with them. He said security measures had been heightened in the areas during the New Year holidays.

He called on local residents not to panic over the Isoc reports during the four-day break and to cooperate or provide tip-offs to security officials.

Local infantry units from the Thai and Cambodian armies, based near the Phrea Vihear Temple in Si Sa Ket province, held a joint New Year's celebration and a recent sporting event to ease tension between the two countries.

Thai and Cambodian soldiers held a party yesterday evening and agreed to maintain a policy of regular patrols along a route without trespassing beyond it. The commanders of both units said the party and the sporting events boosted their men's morale and reduced the tension.

An opinion poll has found a majority of people are still concerned over lax road safety measures and inefficient law enforcement against drunk-driving and traffic violations.

Of 1,011 households interviewed nationwide in an Abac Poll, 68.6 per cent said they were concerned and worried about high casualties and accident rates in Thailand - despite years of much-heralded road safety campaigns by both government and the public sector.

Main reasons cited for accidents were lax road-safety measures and an insufficient number of on-duty traffic policemen during the long holiday break.

The main violations of traffic regulations leading to accidents are drunk driving, speeding and reckless driving. Other technical reasons are not enough safety or warning signs, and the poor condition of vehicles before long journeys.

-- The Nation 2010/1/1

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[Credo]

There's enough police on duty; they just aren't doing anything. Sitting by the side of the road watching people break laws really isn't working.

[animatic]

There's enough police on duty; they just aren't doing anything. Sitting by the side of the road watching people break laws really isn't working.

I concur.

[hansnl]

I beg to differ. It is not the number of policemen/women on duty, it is not all the laws, it is not all the crackdowns that make the road safer.

It is a good education in road safety, a good course for getting a driving license, and self discipline of drivers.

[hardy1943]

There's enough police on duty; they just aren't doing anything. Sitting by the side of the road watching people break laws really isn't working.

Drive a new and fancy car they are scard to stop you