Hezbollah 'Calls Off Attacks'

[Lite Beer]

Hezbollah 'calls off attacks'

The Nation on Sunday

Suspect told police group has ditched its plan, Priewpan says, but patrols to go on

A Middle Eastern terrorist group had cancelled its plan to attack targets in Thailand after one of its members was arrested in Bangkok and the authorities learned about the plot, the national police chief quoted the suspect as saying yesterday.

Pol General Priewpan Damapong added, however, that the police would still be on guard, with patrolmen being deployed in areas that were possible targets, including popular tourist areas like Khao San Road and Soi Sukhumvit 22, as well as certain foreign embassies.

Priewpan said Lebanese man Atris Hussein, 48, who was arrested for suspected links with the Hezbollah militant group, yesterday admitted the plot to police interrogators.

"The suspect told us that the movement cancelled the plan after the authorities learned about it," he said, declining to provide any more details of the alleged confession.

The suspect has not been charged, as the plot was not carried out, according to the national police chief, who added that police are authorised by law to hold a suspect without charges for no more than 60 days.

He said the Metropolitan Police have stepped up security measures in certain areas of the city.

Metropolitan Police commissioner Police Lt-General Winai Thongsong said patrolmen, bomb-disposal units and sniffer dogs had been stationed at areas that could be possible targets, such as Khao San Road, Rambutri Road and Soi Sukhumvit 22.

The Lebanese man was arrested at the Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was attempting to leave Thailand. A hunt was on for another Lebanese man believed to be part of the plot. However, Hussein told police that he knew nothing about the other man, according to Priewpan.

On Friday, the US Embassy in Bangkok issued a terrorist threat warning in the capital. "Foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future," the embassy said in an emergency message posted on its website. US Ambassador Kristie Kenney said the threat was "real and very credible".

Other countries - including Israel, Canada and Australia - issued separate warnings for their citizens living in or visiting Bangkok about possible terrorist attacks.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday expressed his "disappointment and unhappiness" over the warnings by the United States, Canada and Australia. He said he would summon the ambassadors from those countries to explain the warnings to him, or Thailand would issue retaliatory measures against such a move.

He said the countries failed to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before issuing their warnings.

Surapong said the government had taken all possible precautions to protect tourists and investors, adding that Thailand had good ties with countries all over the world and he did not think any country would want to attack the Kingdom.

In addition to the US, 11 other countries, including Britain, Sweden, Germany and Japan, advised their citizens to take caution while in Bangkok, according to an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

'No cause for concern'

Senior officials responsible for security affairs yesterday tried to allay public concerns about possible terrorist attacks in Bangkok.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha urged the public not to panic over the terror threat alerts, saying the Army and other responsible agencies were well prepared to ensure public safety. He said undue panic could affect the country's business sectors, particularly in this high season of tourist arrivals.

Prayuth said officials had possessed information on the terror warning for a while and that security agencies had been working on the matter continuously to ensure public safety.

Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana, who is in charge of security affairs, yesterday played down the terrorist threat, saying: "There is no cause for concern as Thailand has always had careful security measures.

"Everything is all right. Don't worry. I and my authorities are taking good care of this matter," he said.

Meanwhile, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdith said yesterday his agency had detected no suspicious movements in the country regarding any terrorist group.

Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva of the Democrat Party asked the government to provide more details on the matter to avoid confusion among the public.

-- The Nation 2012-01-15

[TAWP]

Ri-ight...

[Buchholz]

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday expressed his "disappointment and unhappiness" over the warnings by the United States, Canada and Australia.

awwwwww..... Thaksin's and Yingluck's cousin, Surapong, is not happy..... for the truth coming out.

He said the countries failed to discuss the matter with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before issuing their warnings.

They probably just wanted to discuss things with the man in charge...... and that's not Surapong.

.

[cgphuket]

Excuse me while I throw up as a result of laughing so hard.

[Javabear]

Don't worry the DPM is on the job! LMFAO

[Mosha]

Didn't Hezbollah deny any of their members had been arrested in Thailand?

[pimay11]

"Meanwhile, Department of Special Investigation director-general Tarit Pengdith said yesterday his agency had detected no suspicious movements in the country regarding any terrorist group".

Including beheadings, bombing and almost daily murders in South Thailand. Evidently these actions or movements are not suspicious. Do these people ever think before they speak?

[BookMan]

If the Hezbollah suspect has said they have called off the attacks then it MUST be true!

[Buchholz]

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday expressed his "disappointment and unhappiness" over the warnings by the United States, Canada and Australia.

awwwwww..... Thaksin's and Yingluck's cousin, Surapong, is not happy..... for the truth coming out.

Surapong will really, really be unhappy with news this morning that the number of foreign embassies issuing travel warnings to Thailand has increased from the above noted 3 to,,,,,, 11.

When does he file the obligatory lawsuit against them all?

.

[flying]

It was all a irresponsible ruse from the start.

The fact that the American Embassy recalled the warning almost immediately cancels all further speculation.

It started because of an Israeli report that was not backed up with any facts period.

Fear Mongering nothing more.....

[whybother]

It was all a irresponsible ruse from the start.

The fact that the American Embassy recalled the warning almost immediately cancels all further speculation.

It started because of an Israeli report that was not backed up with any facts period.

Fear Mongering nothing more.....

The embassy said that the recall was an error.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

[toenail]

Hezbollah is a terrorist group (google it). They "called off " their attack in Bangkok because they were caught. DUH In the future....

[RickBradford]

The suspect has not been charged, as the plot was not carried out,

Conspiracy to commit mass murder not an indictable offence in Thailand?

[flying]

The embassy said that the recall was an error.

Posted with Thaivisa App http://apps.thaivisa.com

You are correct seems the Bangkok US Embassy states the recall was a mistake

Although the main US Embassy site shows warnings at all.

[Lite Beer]

Foreign Minister upset with international travel advisories against Thailand

BANGKOK, 15 January 2012 (NNT) – The Minister of Foreign Affairs is upset with travel advisories issued by 3 governments, following the US Embassy's terror alert for American citizens in Thailand.

Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Minister of Foreign Affairs, said that he is disappointed with travel advisories, which the governments of USA, Canada and Australia have issued, because none of these countries have been in contact and consulted with Thailand about this issue.

Mr. Surapong is worried that such actions may hurt the country's reputation, tourism industry and confidence.

Accordingly, the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs is planning to invite the Ambassadors of these nations to present their case before considering counter-measures.

The Foreign Minister affirmed that Thailand's security agencies have been informed of possible terror movements for some time before they succeeded in apprehending 2 Lebanese suspects a few days ago.

He went on to ask tourists and investors to put their faith in the government's security measures, while stating that Thailand, known for being a friendly and peaceful country, should never become a target of any ill-intended groups.

In addition, Mr. Surapong congratulated Myanmar on the release of prominent political leaders and its step toward a complete democratic rule in the future.

He also said that Thailand and its ASEAN neighbors would like to ask EU and the US to remove a ban and sanctions on Myanmar.

-- NNT 2012-01-15

[gopnarak]

Hezbollah is a terrorist group (google it). They "called off " their attack in Bangkok because they were caught. DUH In the future....

The EU don't call them terrorists. google it.

Hezbollah is a political party and part of the elected government in Lebanon.

They are only called terrorists by very few Nations, less then ten.

[Kilgore Trout]

He went on to ask tourists and investors to put their faith in the government's security measures

Just as people put their faith in their flood response measures

[xthAi76s]

^ perfect. You catch a break when you deserve a break.

[Lite Beer]

Commander-in-chief asks the public to stay calm despite terror plot alert

BANGKOK, 15 January 2012 (NNT) – The Army Commander-in-Chief is asking the public to stay calm in the face of terror attack plots, while affirming that Thai intelligence teams have always stayed on top of the issue.

Commander-in-Chief, General Prayut Chan-o-cha said that the general public should not be panicked by recent news on terror attacks.

General Prayut affirmed that the intelligence units have constantly been updated on this matter while it remains the responsibility of all related teams to discuss precaution and preventive measures.

He added that security units have been discretely on alert since before the New Year holidays before a warning was issued from outside Thailand.

The Commander-in-Chief is asking the public to stay focused and work together to prevent the economy and the country from being affected by outside threats.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commander-in-chief, General Dapong Ratanasuwan said that the US Embassy's terror alert for Bangkok has called for a closer collaboration in intelligence work among the police, the National Security Council, the military and other related units.

However, he said that there remains no need for the Royal Thai Army to add more forces to handle the situation, just yet.

-- NNT 2012-01-15

[Ricardo]

Poor FM_Surapong, when other governments don't trust him to protect their citizens here, and issue their own warnings about possible security-risks !

Of course some might wonder, why his colleagues hadn't issued any warnings to their own citizens, either ?

Better to just continue to pretend, they know what they're doing, as usual until .

[geriatrickid]

It was all a irresponsible ruse from the start.

The fact that the American Embassy recalled the warning almost immediately cancels all further speculation.

It started because of an Israeli report that was not backed up with any facts period.

Fear Mongering nothing more.....

Right, and the Lebanese national was here for the humus.

The management of the alert may have been bungled, but the arrests and the concern shown by multiple governments indicates that there was a clear and imminent threat of violence.

[OzMick]

Hezbollah is a terrorist group (google it). They "called off " their attack in Bangkok because they were caught. DUH In the future....

The EU don't call them terrorists. google it.

Hezbollah is a political party and part of the elected government in Lebanon.

They are only called terrorists by very few Nations, less then ten.

If this was not an attempted terrorist attack because "Hezbollah is a political party and part of the elected government in Lebanon." then it would have to be considered an act of war. Are you suggesting that Lebanon, best known for cedars, <snip>, is about to declare war on Thailand?

[geriatrickid]

Hezbollah is a terrorist group (google it). They "called off " their attack in Bangkok because they were caught. DUH In the future....

The EU don't call them terrorists. google it.

Hezbollah is a political party and part of the elected government in Lebanon.

They are only called terrorists by very few Nations, less then ten.

A nice play on semantics and technicalities. The EU doesn't need to label the organization as terrorist, as it can rely upon UN Resolution 1559 which called for all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias to disband. The EU supported the resolution.

Hezbollah is primarily an armed militia with a political wing. As such EU nations are expected to their utmost to support the disbanding of Hezbollah. See, that's how technicalities work. In this manner, EU banks can block fund transfers and sales of weapons to Hezbollah, not that this ever stopped the Italians and Germans from making a weapons sale when they could or the non EU Swiss from helping do fund transfers.

Now that there is regional concern focused on Hezbollahs two supporters, Iran and Syria, I think the boys at Hezbollah are about to feel some heat. Bahrain and Qatar consider Hezbollah to have attempted to undermine the stability of the Guulf States and why even worry about semantics when countries like Saudi Arabia consider Hezbollah and its supporters to be heretics?

[MrJohnson]

The Thais have only themselves to blame for this situation of foreign governments issuing travel warnings. Thailand is a safe haven for criminals and terrorists alike. Take a stroll through the market area of Pratunam or the sois around Sukhumvit Soi 3 through to Soi 11. With the complicity of a local police station these areas are full of illegals and overstayers producing some of the best quality fake documents anywhere in the world. Drugs are sold openly in the street. This is replicated in Pattaya and beyond. Until the Thais start to take a serious interest in this the country will continue to be a place where criminals and terrorists can feel safe. I mean we didn't see Hezbollah setting up shop in KL, Singapore or Hong Kong. I wonder why?

[OzMick]

Mr Hussein has stated that the attack has been called off because he was apprehended. How does he know this? Was he allowed an ISD phone call?

K. Surapong has threatened "relatiatory action" for those countries issuing warnings to their citizens without his approval. What form might this take; issuing warnings of terrorist attacks there, ban their citizens from entering Thailand? A toothless tiger, but that's handy in a sycophant.

He also doesn't believe that the threat was real, despite the alleged confession. Perhaps he knows how skilled Chalerm and his goons are at extracting confessions, as well as causing convenient loss of memory.

The chorus of "No need for concern" sounds a lot like Alfred E.'s "Wot, me worry?"

[thequietman]

The suspect has not been charged, as the plot was not carried out,

Conspiracy to commit mass murder not an indictable offence in Thailand?

exactly my thoughts. thai police morons. what ya wanna bet he paid his way out.

[kirk0233]

Hezbollah is a terrorist group (google it). They "called off " their attack in Bangkok because they were caught. DUH In the future....

The EU don't call them terrorists. google it.

Hezbollah is a political party and part of the elected government in Lebanon.

They are only called terrorists by very few Nations, less then ten.

In 2005 the European Parliament passed a nonbinding resolution recognizing terrorists activities by Hezbollah and urged the EU council to brand Hezbollah as a terrorist organization. it was not done due to pressure from Spain, Britain, and France. These countries feared it would damage Middle East peace talks. Source: ISN security watch (2005)

I wonder what retaliatory measures the minster plans to take; remove the offending Embassies? Apparently he does not believe countries have the right to warn their citizens of potential terrorists activities without first getting permission from him. He also expects the Embassies to believe an interrogated person's claim (whom Hezbollah has stated is not Hezbollah) that the terrorist activity has been called off? I congratulate the US ambassador for having the integrity to place the security of American citizens above small pond politics in Thailand.

[flying]

Right, and the Lebanese national was here for the humus.

yawn..........yeah what was I thinking .....after all this is the first Lebanese National to ever step foot in Thailand

Makes you wonder about all the cheap flights from Lebanon to Thailand........odd that

So he MUST be a terrorist...........Yet has anything at all been recovered other than a Lebanese National?

Or was he going to blow something up with humus as you noted?

Also wonder why they have a Lebanese Embassy in Bangkok?

If this is the first Lebanese in Thailand or only terrorist go to Thailand?

You got me............not

Embassy of Lebanon in Bangkok, Thailand

CTI Tower, 15th Floor ,Suit 191/ 67- 191,

Ratchadapisek Road, Klongtoey,

Bangkok 10110

[renaissanc]

Surapong is unhappy that the truth came out. That speaks a lot for his credibility and interest in the population's safety.

Maybe he's worried that the Prime Minister in Dubai will be unhappy and replace him with Natthawut in the next Cabinet reshuffle.

[supaprik]

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul yesterday expressed his "disappointment and unhappiness" over the warnings by the United States, Canada and Australia. He said he would summon the ambassadors from those countries to explain the warnings to him, or Thailand would issue retaliatory measures against such a move.