Govt Assurances On Hezbollah Threat Are Anything But

[Lite Beer]

EDITORIAL

Govt assurances on Hezbollah threat are anything but

The Nation

Shades of 9/11 as Chalerm's self-serving response to US, Israeli terror warning leaves Thais confused and concerned

A Lebanese man with alleged links to the Hezbollah militant group was arrested late last week as security and intelligence officers followed up on a tip from the Israeli government that the Lebanon-based group may be planning a terrorist attack against Israeli and American citizens in Thailand.

Initially, two men were brought in for questioning. It was not clear how one managed to evade custody, and reportedly flee the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung assured the public that everything is under control, trying hard to play down the situation and offering conflicting statements.

The issue had been floating around in intelligence circles for some days. But when the American Embassy on Friday issued a warning to its citizens to keep a low profile because of possible terrorist attacks, Thai officials scrambled among themselves to make all sorts of statements to reassure the public that everything is under control.

For all we know, everything may be under control. But the manner in which the message was delivered and the conflicting accounts offered by Chalerm and Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapha make the Thai authorities look unprofessional and unconvincing.

Yutthasak said the suspects may have been plotting car-bomb attacks against important locations such as the Israeli Embassy, synagogues, tour companies and restaurants visited by Israelis.

If the Thais are going public with anything, they need to be reading from the same sheet of music.

It is very unfortunate that in Thailand we have a long history of politicians telling us half-truths and lies, especially when it comes to security matters.

And so when they tell us to be calm because everything is under control, we have good reason not to trust them.

"I want to confirm and I am confident that we have the situation under control. And I can guarantee ... no terrorist attacks will be allowed to take place. If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else," Chalerm said.

One wondered if it would have been better if Chalerm and co had kept their mouths shut and saved Thailand and themselves some political capital. It seems the more they speak, the less credible they become.

Sending out confusing messages can only harm the country’s reputation and create a crisis of confidence. And in moments such as this, the public needs to be convinced that what the government says is trustworthy. We know that the government cannot wave a magic wand and wish the whole thing away. But if they are going to tell us that everything is under control, they are going to have do more than just give us their word.

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

On Friday, Chalerm pretty much took the same old line, saying everything was fine without offering any justification for his statement. Perhaps he was using the same crystal ball the Thaksin administration was using in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

-- The Nation 2012-01-15

[gopnarak]

Those who predict some terrorist attacks looking into crystal balls too. And what has 9/11 to with it?

[pauljones]

Typical of The Nation. The FOX News of Thailand.

Read the last paragraph.

[whybother]

Those who predict some terrorist attacks looking into crystal balls too. And what has 9/11 to with it?

9/11 is mentioned because of Thaksin's statement after the event that everything was ok and there were no terrorists here, only to find out later that the Bali bombers did their planning here and their leader wad caught here.

It brings into question his proxy government's statements in the same vane.

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

[gopnarak]

Those who predict some terrorist attacks looking into crystal balls too. And what has 9/11 to with it?

9/11 is mentioned because of Thaksin's statement after the event that everything was ok and there were no terrorists here, only to find out later that the Bali bombers did their planning here and their leader wad caught here.

It brings into question his proxy government's statements in the same vane.

The 9/11 terrorists lived as students in Hamburg, Germany and some took flight lessons in the USA before 9/11 if i remember well.

And the Bali bomber leader was arrested in Thailand, what you want more?

[noitom]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

[geriatrickid]

And to the above, add in illegal immigrant smuggling. Anyone need a reminder of the thousands of tamil tigers that used Thailand as a starting point to get to the welfare roles of Canada and Australia prir to last summer? The Canadian government was powerless to stop the flow and had get help from the Australians and have the Americans send a very strong message on its behalf. Interestingly enough, when the Canadian government threatened sanctions and was supported by Australia, the Thais responded by closing down the illegal immigrant ships.

[kerryk]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

Since the tourist sex trade is only 5 or 10% of the total. I believe you should be talking about the 90% of the sex trade that drives the domestic economy.

[bushwacker]

"And I can guarantee ... no terrorist attacks will be allowed to take place. If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else," Chalerm said."

This is too funny! That is quite a guarantee and I am sure they will take his warning and go away.

[siampolee]

Let's be fair about it.

This current administration along with Chalerm are about as effective as a chocolate fireguard as we see on a daily basis,

Chalerm was and is even now incapable of even controlling his own offspring in their domestic terrorist acts.

The facts that Chalerm actually conspired in spiriting his offspring out onf the country and later inducing selective amnesia among those involved in those domestic terrorist acts doesn't really inspire confidence in the international community, me or truth be known anyone else either.

Seem to recall that Chalerm had no compunction in fleeing to a Scandinavian country when he had problems either.

If brains were dynamite this current administration and Chalerm in particular couldn't blow their own nose's

Edited January 15, 2012 by siampolee

[kirk0233]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

Well said. The Southern Muslim area of Thailand is a ticking time-bomb. The risk of terrorism continues until police learn to police, greed is dimished and positions are not purchased. Perhaps sometime in the furure the Thai will take a real interest in their fellow Thai; Muslim or Buddhist.

[noitom]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

Since the tourist sex trade is only 5 or 10% of the total. I believe you should be talking about the 90% of the sex trade that drives the domestic economy.

Yes, you are correct. The domestic Thai sex trade and massage dwarfs the tourist sex trade. Needless to say, in a discussion relating to terrorism risk, both tourist and domestic illicit activities signed off and corrupted by police and press and social denial, both contribute to an environment of social risk. In a discussion about potential terrorism risk shielded by denial for the benefit of sex tourism, I omitted this point on the massive scale of the domestic Thai sex trade.

[kerryk]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

Since the tourist sex trade is only 5 or 10% of the total. I believe you should be talking about the 90% of the sex trade that drives the domestic economy.

Yes, you are correct. The domestic Thai sex trade and massage dwarfs the tourist sex trade. Needless to say, in a discussion relating to terrorism risk, both tourist and domestic illicit activities signed off and corrupted by police and press and social denial, both contribute to an environment of social risk. In a discussion about potential terrorism risk shielded by denial for the benefit of sex tourism, I omitted this point on the massive scale of the domestic Thai sex trade.

I would also assume this is where the Arabs come to play when Sharia law gets boring so perhaps the sex trade is protecting Thailand.

[lovetotravel]

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Authorities have known about this for some time, but didn't want to go public. The US felt it was important info for their citizens to know. Thailand has a history of keeping this info private to save face. Doesn't make you feel very comfortable.

[gl555]

"If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else,"

Seriously? SERIOUSLY?!

A person making a dumbass statement like this is a cabinet minister? Ahh Pheu Thai, I'm so glad you're ruling this country.

[animatic]

Typical of The Nation. The FOX News of Thailand.

Read the last paragraph.

Well the difference is FauxNews was kicked out of Canada for lying on the news,

while The Nation merely needs to accurately quote Thai politicians to come off totally absurd.

[animatic]

"And I can guarantee ... no terrorist attacks will be allowed to take place. If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else," Chalerm said."

This is too funny! That is quite a guarantee and I am sure they will take his warning and go away.

The man has no understanding of absurdity,

let alone that he is working so hard to become another dictionary definition of Absurdity.

[gopnarak]

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Authorities have known about this for some time, but didn't want to go public. The US felt it was important info for their citizens to know. Thailand has a history of keeping this info private to save face. Doesn't make you feel very comfortable.

I feel comfortable in Thailand specially if the government doesn't join the 'the terrorists are coming' paranoia and start wars like the USA.

[kerryk]

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Authorities have known about this for some time, but didn't want to go public. The US felt it was important info for their citizens to know. Thailand has a history of keeping this info private to save face. Doesn't make you feel very comfortable.

I feel comfortable in Thailand specially if the government doesn't join the 'the terrorists are coming' paranoia and start wars like the USA.

Who did Bali start a war with?

[gopnarak]

Thailand is a real exposure. Consistently mendacious comments by Thai "officials." Blatant corruption, lack of security ie. (closing of airport by political group for 8 days army and police helpless), nationwide catering to and blatant sex trade and open bar business and massage all over everywhere, pervasive pirating of music, movies, books, and clothing/accessories, massive business in forged passports, visas, and documents, and just about anything else, fluid drug trade, illicit arms dealing and rampant money laundering. All of this along with over 5,000 "reported" deaths to terror bombing in the south (a muslim area) and growing civil unrest, makes Thailand a fertile area for all sorts of radical terrorist cells, groups, and individuals.

Thailand remains in a state of denial regarding anything that may compromise its tourist trade, legal and sex. The sex trade dwarfs the tour packages to see palaces, temples, and elephants. Its dark corrupt trade is critical to the Thai underground economy and the cash flow of Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, and Phuket as well as other communities. Any prevalent dark corrupt environment will always give rise to opportunity for those radicals who are determined to subvert society through terror. The Thai press needs to keep evangelizing this. The risk of terrorism can't be improved until the lack of security and the underlying attitude of denial about its breeding ground is changed.

I see you like Thailand very much.

The 9/11 terrorists attacked the pentagon and not a Bangkok massage palace.

[gl555]

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Authorities have known about this for some time, but didn't want to go public. The US felt it was important info for their citizens to know. Thailand has a history of keeping this info private to save face. Doesn't make you feel very comfortable.

I feel comfortable in Thailand specially if the government doesn't join the 'the terrorists are coming' paranoia and start wars like the USA.

Only an idiot risks lives covering up a real threat just so tourism won't be affected. And your starting wars like the USA crack is moronic at best.

[Mitker]

Quote:

"And I can guarantee ... no terrorist attacks will be allowed to take place. If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else," Chalerm said.

/Quote

And those are the words of a deputy PM!!

It's simply beyond imagination.

[gopnarak]

Many of us recall the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and how the then administration of Thaksin Shinawatra took a very selfish attitude by telling the world that there were no terrorist cells operating in Thailand. It was as if they had a crystal ball to see every single move the terrorists were making. And all the while, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore were chasing after these terrorists. Their citizens were alerted to the possibility and asked to help the authorities by serving as their eyes and ears.

But in Thailand, we were so caught up with the concern of losing tourist dollars, the authorities thought it was possible to keep the public out of the loop.

Then, in August 2003, a key al-Qaeda operative, Riduan Isamuddin, an Indonesian known as Hambali, was suddenly arrested in Ayutthaya. It was revealed later that the Bali bombers, members of the regional terrorist outfit Jemaah Islamiyah, had been visiting Thailand to plan their 2002 attack in Indonesia.

I think this pretty much sums it up. Authorities have known about this for some time, but didn't want to go public. The US felt it was important info for their citizens to know. Thailand has a history of keeping this info private to save face. Doesn't make you feel very comfortable.

I feel comfortable in Thailand specially if the government doesn't join the 'the terrorists are coming' paranoia and start wars like the USA.

Only an idiot risks lives covering up a real threat just so tourism won't be affected. And your starting wars like the USA crack is moronic at best.

There isn't and there wasn't a terrorist threat. So stop calling the Thai authorities idiots.

Thailand didn't wanted to make arrests of some Lebanese people on behalf of Israel. In Thailand you aren't a criminal just because Israel and the USA calling you so and Thailand don't want get involved in that conflict, because they have 'friends' or good ties to both sides.

As result we got that alarmist and fear mongering warning by the US embassy to get everyone in line for the war of terror.

Now we have an arrest but no charges to remain diplomatic and to please both sides - the enemies and the friends of that Lebanese resistance group.

Only a moron would assume that that public warning saved him and made a terrorist attack impossible, If there was ever something planned like this it would happen anyway.

[gl555]

There isn't and there wasn't a terrorist threat. So stop calling the Thai authorities idiots.

Thailand didn't wanted to make arrests of some Lebanese people on behalf of Israel. In Thailand you aren't a criminal just because Israel and the USA calling you so and Thailand don't want get involved in that conflict, because they have 'friends' or good ties to both sides.

As result we got that alarmist and fear mongering warning by the US embassy to get everyone in line for the war of terror.

Now we have an arrest but no charges to remain diplomatic and to please both sides - the enemies and the friends of that Lebanese resistance group.

Only a moron would assume that that public warning saved him and made a terrorist attack impossible, If there was ever something planned like this it would happen anyway.

Oh I'm sorry there isn't a threat? Please enlighten us on how you're so sure there isn't one. No really we would really like to know.

All you have are speculations about why the Lebanese got arrested. That's all you have.

If there is ever a terrorist attack and even just one life is saved because of this warning, I think it's worth it. Better safe then sorry. It's obvious you're just one of those disgruntled anti Americans who just wants to slam them and blame them for everything when there really are lives at stake here. Hopefully, there isn't an attack but if there is one, I do hope you're right there in the middle of it.

[Gers1873]

When a terrorist attack occurs the first people we hear from are the "why didn't the government warn us", "why didn't the government know" brigade who demand answers for everything.

When governments issue warnings you often find the same people espousing "\oh the governments of X, Y Z are just scaremongering"

Me I'd rather governments err on the side of caution rather than adopting a 'hope for the best' attitude.

[TantraMantra]

Warnings originating with Israel were given. The Thai government got upset as it was another blow for tourism. An arrest had to be made so the government could say the danger was over. They found a scapegoat. He cooperated with police by saying Hezbollah had changed their mind so tourists need not worry about visiting LOS. Police haven't charged him. Tourism is protected. He can go home to Lebanon, where he'll be in deep caca. He's a scapegoat

.

And is there any report of Hezbollah having attacked a target that was not connected with Israel. I doubt if there are enough Israelis on KS rd or Soi 22 to make them targets. This could be part of an Israeli plan to further discredit Hezbollah (and Iran) by adding a bomb plot in Thailand to their record. Who knows? Maybe only MOSSAD or CIA know the truth.

[gl555]

Warnings originating with Israel were given. The Thai government got upset as it was another blow for tourism. An arrest had to be made so the government could say the danger was over. They found a scapegoat. He cooperated with police by saying Hezbollah had changed their mind so tourists need not worry about visiting LOS. Police haven't charged him. Tourism is protected. He can go home to Lebanon, where he'll be in deep caca. He's a scapegoat

.

And is there any report of Hezbollah having attacked a target that was not connected with Israel. I doubt if there are enough Israelis on KS rd or Soi 22 to make them targets. This could be part of an Israeli plan to further discredit Hezbollah (and Iran) by adding a bomb plot in Thailand to their record. Who knows? Maybe only MOSSAD or CIA know the truth.

Maybe. But let me ask you this. When was the last time the US Embassy issued a terrorist alert for Bangkok? How often do they do that? We can dismiss something like this if it happens often but I would take this warning seriously since it rarely happens.

[TantraMantra]

"And I can guarantee ... no terrorist attacks will be allowed to take place. If they have disagreement, [they should] go fight somewhere else," Chalerm said."

This is too funny! That is quite a guarantee and I am sure they will take his warning and go away.

Well it's reassuring that he has cooperation and influence with Terrorists groups and can just tell them where to go.

[Gers1873]

Warnings originating with Israel were given. The Thai government got upset as it was another blow for tourism. An arrest had to be made so the government could say the danger was over. They found a scapegoat. He cooperated with police by saying Hezbollah had changed their mind so tourists need not worry about visiting LOS. Police haven't charged him. Tourism is protected. He can go home to Lebanon, where he'll be in deep caca. He's a scapegoat

.

And is there any report of Hezbollah having attacked a target that was not connected with Israel. I doubt if there are enough Israelis on KS rd or Soi 22 to make them targets. This could be part of an Israeli plan to further discredit Hezbollah (and Iran) by adding a bomb plot in Thailand to their record. Who knows? Maybe only MOSSAD or CIA know the truth.

Check the other thread -- the planned attacks were indeed real

[TantraMantra]

Warnings originating with Israel were given. The Thai government got upset as it was another blow for tourism. An arrest had to be made so the government could say the danger was over. They found a scapegoat. He cooperated with police by saying Hezbollah had changed their mind so tourists need not worry about visiting LOS. Police haven't charged him. Tourism is protected. He can go home to Lebanon, where he'll be in deep caca. He's a scapegoat

.

And is there any report of Hezbollah having attacked a target that was not connected with Israel. I doubt if there are enough Israelis on KS rd or Soi 22 to make them targets. This could be part of an Israeli plan to further discredit Hezbollah (and Iran) by adding a bomb plot in Thailand to their record. Who knows? Maybe only MOSSAD or CIA know the truth.

Maybe. But let me ask you this. When was the last time the US Embassy issued a terrorist alert for Bangkok? How often do they do that? We can dismiss something like this if it happens often but I would take this warning seriously since it rarely happens.

True, I was in Bali 2 weeks before the bombings and I had a premonition about it happening. Yes, BKK especially the naughty parts would be high on terrorists hit lists.