Thai Govt In Damage Control On Terror

[webfact]

UPDATE:

13.30: DPM Kowit: Government can take care of people's security and they need not be concerned about the terrorist warning issued by several foreign countries /BKK Post

------

TERROR

Govt in damage control on terror

Piyanart Srivalo,

Samuscha Hunsara

The Nation

After Chalerm's chaotic response, officials say situation under control, criticise US alert as hasty

The Yingluck government yesterday appeared to adjust its public relations strategy involving terrorism threats, after concerns arose that Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung's hasty remarks in the wake of the latest US warning could have made things worse.

Government leaders yesterday held a press conference to allay the anxieties, saying security authorities were on top of the situation to ensure the country remains a safe tourist destination.

The press conference was organised after Chalerm's off-the-cuff remarks prompted fears they could backfire to fuel terrorist activities.

"Security officials, such as those from the police, the military and intelligence agencies, have been monitoring the situation and it is not their duty to reveal whether any suspicious individuals are travelling through Thailand," Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana said, arguing that hasty disclosure would have caused unwarranted concern.

Kowit appeared to downplay Chalerm's comments regarding the police interview of a Lebanese man as a person of interest.

Kowit said that at this juncture, the government and officials could keep the situation under control - and there was no cause for concern that Bangkok could be a target for an international terrorist attack.

Echoing Kowit, Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha said intelligence and security agencies had been alerted to possible Hezbollah activities last month.

Authorities did not arrest a man considered suspicious because it was deemed futile to take him into custody before evidence of a crime became clear, Yuthasak said.

"Thai intelligence and security officials had an understanding with their Israeli and American counterparts that the situation would be monitored in a discreet manner so as not to stir unwarranted anxiety," he said.

The US Embassy's no-nonsense warning on its home page on Friday - that US citizens in Thailand faced a serious, immediate terrorist threat - prompted a swift, albeit somewhat confusing, denial from the Yingluck government. It is the first dent in a seemingly smooth bilateral relationship since the changing of the political guard in Thailand after last year's election.

Yuthasak reprimanded the United States for making a unilateral disclosure in a travel warning wrongly pinpointing Bangkok as a potential terrorist target.

The US had acted in panic because of a mistaken suspicion an attack was poised to happen on January 13-15 and its action adversely impacted on Thailand, he said.

"I would like to confirm that Thailand is [not] a terrorist target," he said. Although terrorist suspects might have maintained activities in Bangkok, which is known in security jargon as a soft target, they were taking advantage of Thailand's free society, rather than staging an attack on the country, he said.

All suspicious individuals had departed Thailand and any attempts to stir up trouble had been foiled, he said.

He said the initial alert about a terrorist plot mentioned two individuals. One was detained after officials located him via his use of the Internet. Another fled the country.

The detained man told police about the Hezbollah plot. After giving his statement, he was deported. The man was identified as Hussein Artris, a Lebanese man holding a Swedish passport, according to Israel News.

His fugitive accomplice was believed to be Naim Haris, a Hezbollah operative.

Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul denied speculation his ministry would summon and lodge a protest with US Ambassador Kristie Kenney.

Surapong said he had voiced his disappointment that the US did not consult the Thai government before issuing the travel warning but did not mention a protest.

At the prime minister's instruction, he would today launch an awareness campaign that the terrorist anxiety was unwarranted, he said, adding his ministry would also clarify the true situation with foreign governments. Some 14 countries had already alerted their citizens about the potential terrorist attack.

Government House officials said Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra was displeased that Chalerm had gone overboard in disclosing sensitive details about international terrorism.

Chalerm was curiously absent from yesterday's mobile Cabinet meeting in Chiang Mai, although his aides claimed he stayed behind in the capital in order to monitor the situation.

Following the mobile meeting, Yingluck pledged to ensure safety for the tourism industry and foreign visitors. She said the police, military and National Security Council were working around the clock to foil any terrorist plots.

Foreign Affairs spokesman Thani Thongpakdi said Thailand was disappointed the US had opted to issue its travel alert before consulting the Thai authorities.

"Despite the close monitoring [of the situation] and mutual cooperation between the two countries, the travel warning was issued with a direct impact on Thailand," he said.

Officials would seek to form an understanding on the issue with the US, he said.

-- The Nation 2012-01-16

[Galong]

How far away does one have to get to truly get away from the American non-sense that constantly flows out of the government? Sorry, but meaningless scare tactics don't impress me. Furthermore, if two people can stimulate a panic without even doing anything, then the so-called bad guys win, period.

In addition, this 'cry wolf' crap is really getting old. Here's an idea America: try minding your own business and stop pissing on the rest of the world. See how that works instead of the normal gospel-spreading course, please.

[gopnarak]

No terrorists attacks here, Good job by the Thai authorities.

The alarmist warning by the embassy was unnecessary but without that we would never became aware of these things the the Thai authorities do for us.

[toenail]

In the 7 years I have worked/lived in Thailand, this was the first US Embassy warining to its citizens. A day later the warning seemed to have some substance since there was a Hezballah connection. Again, the government makes things worse by first denying it. Sorry, but after the government's handling of the flood crisis (like a circus) they have lost their confidence to most of its citizens and farangs who live here. In my opinion, it is no "big deal' when a warning comes out from an embassy.It is part of life in the 21st century. When I lived in the MIddle East, these warnings were monthly. And when one looks around, no city is immuned from terrotists. Look at Madrid, London, Paris, Mombai, New York, Bali, Cairo...the list goes on.

[OzMick]

"The detained man told police about the Hezbollah plot."

If there was a Hezbollah plot, involving Thailand, how does that make a statement that Bangkok is a POTENTIAL target alarmist non-sense scare tactics.

What WAS the plot?

[FOODLOVER]

How far away does one have to get to truly get away from the American non-sense that constantly flows out of the government? Sorry, but meaningless scare tactics don't impress me. Furthermore, if two people can stimulate a panic without even doing anything, then the so-called bad guys win, period.

In addition, this 'cry wolf' crap is really getting old. Here's an idea America: try minding your own business and stop pissing on the rest of the world. See how that works instead of the normal gospel-spreading course, please.

Seems you speak English , your welcome.

[OZEMADE]

<Snip>

As for the warning, better to get it out there than no warning at all.

Edited January 19, 2012 by metisdead
Off topic comments removed.

[REM]

How far away does one have to get to truly get away from the American non-sense that constantly flows out of the government? Sorry, but meaningless scare tactics don't impress me. Furthermore, if two people can stimulate a panic without even doing anything, then the so-called bad guys win, period.

In addition, this 'cry wolf' crap is really getting old. Here's an idea America: try minding your own business and stop pissing on the rest of the world. See how that works instead of the normal gospel-spreading course, please.

Not only does he speak he English, he knows some proverbs as well! Crying wolf! A second you're welcome, and it's better to prepare in advance and be proactive than reactive after the attack. Also, I don't know if you're American or not, but if you're not, you probably aren't on the US Embassy mailing list, and thus weren't bothered, so why start writing and looking like a hypocrit? You could have been quiet and know one would have known!

[slapout]

The truth of the reasoning/source behind the 'Warning' will probably never be revieled to the public. But I would much rather hear/read some verbal/printed warning than see a flash and not be capable of hearing the boom.

If the public had more info about the potential dangers that are out there, firetrap bars,resturants, hotel, etc, high risk areas for ones personal safety, kidnappings, scams, etc, we would probably see a decrease in the conaquenses when things go wrong. As mentioned 'warnings' are a part of life in todays world and without any real way of knowing, I would venture to say lives have been saved by some of them. If the baddies know they are being watched, the public being infomed, they lose the advantage of being invisable and possibly some of their support . I look at this whole issue, "warning' as additional info I can use in my travel/social plans, if I feel it may have a affect on me or my family.

[Pib]

Seems the govt policy to help protect tourism is: See no terrorism, Hear no terrorism, Speak no terrorism.

That policy will surely ensure safety for tourists (or not!).

[Bakseedaa]

"The detained man told police about the Hezbollah plot."

If there was a Hezbollah plot, involving Thailand, how does that make a statement that Bangkok is a POTENTIAL target alarmist non-sense scare tactics.

What WAS the plot?

Seems it was a language problem and the Hezbolla guy said he had come to Bangkok for a Blow-up..... He got the second word wrong...!!! Bad Job...!

[noitom]

Hopefully, the Israeli and US embassies are getting intolerant of Thai mendacity, complacency, and coverups in their announcements regarding serious situations. It was the Israeli Mossad, supposedly the most proficient and respected intelligence organization in the world, that initially warned the Thais of a planned attack in the making on December 22 now indicated to be as early as the 8th. Probably after repeated cautions and warnings by the Israelis and the US without a diligent Thai security response, the Israelis and the US agreed that an announcement would perhaps motivate the Thais to take some action.

Why would a Thai official, as quoted in the article, "reprimand" the US for announcing that Bangkok specifically was potentially a terrorist target, when it was the Israelis who notified the Thais originally and then teamed with the US on security? Why would this same Thai official refer to Bangkok as a "soft target in intelligence jargon," when everyone knows that a "soft target" refers to a vulnerable , undefended target likely to have people? It was as if the Thai official wasn't aware of the real meaning of "soft target" and was hoping that people would infer that his remark denoted something along the lines of "not high profile." His comments were preposterous.

The US and the Israelis obviously know, as do other nations, that Thailand is lax on security, a very suspect high risk country and region, and fertile for terrorist infiltration and activity whether planning or action. just look at the airport closing, the south of Thailand, and the flood security of its own citizens and residents. Thai corrupt immigration and police and social structure, as well as lack of regulation and adherence to law give rise to all sorts of potential underground, dark, and potentially terrorist activities. It's great that the US took the step forward to announce the threat and alert in the interest of its citizens and citizens of other nations residing and traveling to and in Thailand. Hopefully other nations will follow 'the right thing to do" and begin demanding, by similar announcements, that Thailand shape up and get its act together, be truthful, do the right thing, and stop shilling for its sex trade tourist business at the expense of the safety of people.

[gl555]

To all those calling the American Embassy 'alarmist' or accusing them of 'crying wolf', I ask you this. When was the last time the embassy issued a terrorist warning for Bangkok? Pray tell us that. They don't throw these things out on a whim.

[x5david]

Chalerm is a fool and really needs to step down. THis guy is always mouthing off in inappropriate ways. First there was the "trust no westerner" comment and now blasting foreign embassies for warning their citizens when the Thai government refused. Better to stay under that rug he is always shoving stuff under than be in public service....

[TAWP]

When I wrote about it here: yesterday I didn't mention that I saw the news-report with...'PTP voters'. They became highly agitated and complained the US [Embassy] for 'making Thailand look bad' instead of 'talking to Government'.

The press conference didn't contain some 'perhaps'/'softer' words, these where strict complaints without doubt of how wrong the US [Embassy] was.

[monkfish]

Governments in most countries including US do not inform the public of Terrorists plots. Why?

To avoid mass panic just like what happened in Thailand.

P.s. when was the last terrorist attack in Thailand aimed at foreign tourists?

Edited January 16, 2012 by monkfish

[flying]

It is not so hard to understand if looked at....

If your country is dependent to some degree for income via tourism....Then some

declaration is made that impacts that income without enough facts based in reality...

Well you too may be scrambling to clear up the misconception that is causing a loss of income.

Think not?

Lets say someone calls in your name, or your banks name or your employers name in to X authorities saying they know it is linked to terror & are plotting something.....

Now your government shuts your bank accounts, ATM's, job,bank, business etc. Until they can suss out if it is true.

You meanwhile are fine with that temporary loss of income because better safe than sorry?

Or instead would you be upset that they did not have more concrete info/facts nor did they ever contact you first to

ask any questions?

Yeah it cuts both ways

Of course everyone likes to be safe & wants warnings of impending doom.

But at the same time have some facts & proofs before causing others grief/loss of income & yes even causing yourself

loss of credibility.

How many *possible* attacks have been reported in the last year?

If & when one actually occurs there sadly will be many who think it is another false alarm

Edited January 16, 2012 by flying

[Thai at Heart]

When will Thai governments stop lying about what is going on in their country. "Reprimand" the embassies? What the hell does that mean? This is not a game of face, it can be as black and white as life and death if the response to genuine warnings is to do nothing.

The last time I looked, Thailand is part of the world, it has a lot of tourists and it has a completely incompetent police and security service. I can very likely believe that when the info was passed to the Thais, they promised in some way to make a public announcement, and then they didn't to "protect the reputation of the country and its tourism industry". So the Israelis and the US said, stuff it, we will take responsibility ourselves, since having tried to do their job diplomatically, the Thais did nothing better than stick a thumb up their backside.

This is the first warning of this type of think in Bangkok that I can remember in nearly 15 years here. Do they think that the Israelis or US throw these warnings around willy nilly? But of course, unlike Thailand, a government official is supposed to try everything they can to prevent their citizens from being blown up in a terrorist attack. Patently, the Thais see it a little differently.

[beano2274]

Sorry but I think an Embassy has the right to warn it's countrymen and women about things, if the Thai people found out by clicking on the Embassy website then that is upto them. If the Goverment says there is no need to worry, but sends out troops to patrol areas and carry out searches then obviously there is something to worry about.

[gl555]

Governments in most countries including US do not inform the public of Terrorists plots. Why?

To avoid mass panic just like what happened in Thailand.

P.s. when was the last terrorist attack in Thailand aimed at foreign tourists?

That's true. But then most civilised governments don't have an incompentant bunch of ministers running the country nor a useless police force to deal with the terrorist threat.

Oh and before Bali was bombed, I can't seem to remember when the last terrorist attack was aimed at foreign tourists there either.

[gl555]

It is not so hard to understand if looked at....

If your country is dependent to some degree for income via tourism....Then some

declaration is made that impacts that income without enough facts based in reality...

Well you too may be scrambling to clear up the misconception that is causing a loss of income.

Think not?

Lets say someone calls in your name, or your banks name or your employers name in to X authorities saying they know it is linked to terror & are plotting something.....

Now your government shuts your bank accounts, ATM's, job,bank, business etc. Until they can suss out if it is true.

You meanwhile are fine with that temporary loss of income because better safe than sorry?

Or instead would you be upset that they did not have more concrete info/facts nor did they ever contact you first to

ask any questions?

Yeah it cuts both ways

Of course everyone likes to be safe & wants warnings of impending doom.

But at the same time have some facts & proofs before causing others grief/loss of income & yes even causing yourself

loss of credibility.

How many *possible* attacks have been reported in the last year?

If & when one actually occurs there sadly will be many who think it is another false alarm

"

How many *possible* attacks have been reported in the last year?"

How many terrorists warning were issued by the US Embassy here? I can't seem to recall the last time this happened. This is not something they do on a weekly basis. It happens rarely and as such, the threat has to be credible.

[monkfish]

Governments in most countries including US do not inform the public of Terrorists plots. Why?

To avoid mass panic just like what happened in Thailand.

P.s. when was the last terrorist attack in Thailand aimed at foreign tourists?

That's true. But then most civilised governments don't have an incompentant bunch of ministers running the country nor a useless police force to deal with the terrorist threat.

Oh and before Bali was bombed, I can't seem to remember when the last terrorist attack was aimed at foreign tourists there either.

Well two of the suspects have now been arrested so I guess the threat is over.

But seems the Terrorists won because they did achieve "Terror" which was probably the goal.

[beano2274]

How many times have you gone to a restaurant like McDonalds or Food court in paragon (for example), and seen someone place a bag on a table to reserve it and walk away, what would happen if that bag contained a bomb.

People need to be educated about terrorism, maybe things like this will help educate them, but I very much doubt it.

Edited January 16, 2012 by beano2274

[Galong]

How far away does one have to get to truly get away from the American non-sense that constantly flows out of the government? Sorry, but meaningless scare tactics don't impress me. Furthermore, if two people can stimulate a panic without even doing anything, then the so-called bad guys win, period.

In addition, this 'cry wolf' crap is really getting old. Here's an idea America: try minding your own business and stop pissing on the rest of the world. See how that works instead of the normal gospel-spreading course, please.

Seems you speak English , your welcome.

Nice retort. If that's what you got out of what I said, I guess I'll reply by asking if are not plenty of other countries where I could have learned to speak English? Many of these countries don't instigate and perpetuate constant violence. I'm tired of US imperialism and just want to live my life in peaceful Thailand. I'm 12 times zones away, leave me alone, please.

[animatic]

Forewarned is forearmed, since we are being proverbial here.

I'd much rather be warned in case something does get successfully pulled off by terrorists, than by going about my business in ignorant bliss and am harmed for my ignorance. We know they do do this stuff, and not always in places we expect it, for the obvious reasons they are soft targets and create greater fear and outrage.

Too those that hate America in a vocal way for whatever reasons ;

be they that it is too powerful, arrogant, too loud, or whatever your

pet peeve against the US governnent is;

I dearly wish they to keep their thoughts to themselves, in threads like this

when it pertains the USA warning it's citizens about potential threats to them,

even as the collateral damage might extend to citizens of your land too...

If you want to live in ignorant bliss that's your personal choice,

choosing to confuse others by belittling warnings is in itself an aggressive act.

You only make the situation worse sowing confusion and disinformation.

Save your bile for issues that have nothing to do with the personal safety of others.

Go ahead slag away, at least then you put no innocents at further risk

Edited January 16, 2012 by animatic

[monkfish]

How many times have you gone to a restaurant like McDonalds or Food court in paragon (for example), and seen someone place a bag on a table to reserve it and walk away, what would happen if that bag contained a bomb.

People need to be educated about terrorism, maybe things like this will help educate them, but I very much doubt it.

Unlike Americans and Brits Thai's aren't brick scared of empty bags in public places probably because they don't have enemies.

But seems Terrorism has now been imported into to Thailand so I would really advice avoiding places like McDonalds or where US citizens hang out.

[Galong]

It is not so hard to understand if looked at....

If your country is dependent to some degree for income via tourism....Then some

declaration is made that impacts that income without enough facts based in reality...

Well you too may be scrambling to clear up the misconception that is causing a loss of income.

Think not?

Lets say someone calls in your name, or your banks name or your employers name in to X authorities saying they know it is linked to terror & are plotting something.....

Now your government shuts your bank accounts, ATM's, job,bank, business etc. Until they can suss out if it is true.

You meanwhile are fine with that temporary loss of income because better safe than sorry?

Or instead would you be upset that they did not have more concrete info/facts nor did they ever contact you first to

ask any questions?

Yeah it cuts both ways

Of course everyone likes to be safe & wants warnings of impending doom.

But at the same time have some facts & proofs before causing others grief/loss of income & yes even causing yourself

loss of credibility.

How many *possible* attacks have been reported in the last year?

If & when one actually occurs there sadly will be many who think it is another false alarm

Precisely! That's why I mentioned the Cry Wolf bit. A couple of potentially shady characters being seen in Thailand does not justify putting out a worldwide news feed (and it is know far and wide already) making Thailand look unsafe for Americans.

Legitimate warnings, if truly a REAL threat exists, are one thing. This is more hokum and I find it interesting that this comes shortly after our Few and Proud did their childish act. Could this be some sort of sick misdirecting to try and justify the Marines not taking the moral high ground and simply showing at least some discression instead of this moronic eye for an eye, they did worst to us mentality. I wish the World Police would stay home. Lord knows they've got enough of a problem on their own soil.

[NxaiPan]

While it's obviously hard to work out the real facts in this case, one thing does stand out. The Thais arrest someone connected to a possible bomb attack in Bangkok aimed at a soft target (no lack of those for a motivated fundamentalist), and he is deported, while his accomplice "escapes". It's as if he played music in a bar without a work permit or overstayed his tourist visa.

Smells like the Thai authorities were sweeping this under the carpet; " can't upset the tourist high season or draw attention to our lax security and plethora of targets". The US embassy warning could then have been either an expression of US frustration at Thai handling of the incident, or a misunderstanding of how the Thais were handling the situation (ie if the Thais appeared not to be responding to the threat identified by Israel somebody had to do something).

All idle speculation about a highly complex and sensitive issue, but sadly one that cannot be ignored by the authorities or residents. The involvement of Hizbollah suggests an Israeli/Jewish target may have been the objective, but we now live in an untidy nexus of militant fundamentalists with cross-pollination between different groups rather like the anti-capitalist, anti-US/Israel terror groups of the 1970's (Baader-Meinhoff/Red Army Faction, Japanese Red Army, PFLP/PLO etc). The classic example of this was the Lod Airport Massacre in 1972, outsourced by the Palestinians to the Japanese Red Army, as they were less recognizable as a threat in an Israeli context.

Terrorist have always had a love for airline related targets due to their media impact, and that coupled with possible tie ups with the insurgents down south, does make one think.

[Galong]

Forewarned is forearmed, since we are being proverbial here.

I'd much rather be warned in case something does get successfully pulled off by terrorists, than by going about my business in ignorant bliss and am harmed for my ignorance. We know they do do this stuff, and not always in places we expect it, for the obvious reasons they are soft targets and create greater fear and outrage.

Too those that hate America in a vocal way for whatever reasons ;

be they that it is too powerful, arrogant, too loud, or whatever your

pet peeve against the US governnent is;

I dearly wish they to keep their thoughts to themselves, in threads like this

when it pertains the USA warning it's citizens about potential threats to them,

even as the collateral damage might extend to citizens of your land too...

If you want to live in ignorant bliss that's your personal choice,

choosing to confuse others by belittling warnings is in itself an aggressive act.

You only make the situation worse sowing confusion and disinformation.

Save your bile for issues that have nothing to do with the personal safety of others.

Go ahead slag away, at least then you put no innocents at further risk

Sorry, but as an American expat I feel compelled to 'slag' my county when they do wrong.

The entire point of my CRY WOLF comparison is that this constant scare mongering is ineffective and it will potentially have the exact opposite effect in the case of an actual threat --- just like the result of the cry wolf story.

Edited January 16, 2012 by Galong

[animatic]

Forewarned is forearmed, since we are being proverbial here.

I'd much rather be warned in case something does get successfully pulled off by terrorists, than by going about my business in ignorant bliss and am harmed for my ignorance. We know they do do this stuff, and not always in places we expect it, for the obvious reasons they are soft targets and create greater fear and outrage.

Too those that hate America in a vocal way for whatever reasons ;

be they that it is too powerful, arrogant, too loud, or whatever your

pet peeve against the US governnent is;

I dearly wish they to keep their thoughts to themselves, in threads like this

when it pertains the USA warning it's citizens about potential threats to them,

even as the collateral damage might extend to citizens of your land too...

If you want to live in ignorant bliss that's your personal choice,

choosing to confuse others by belittling warnings is in itself an aggressive act.

You only make the situation worse sowing confusion and disinformation.

Save your bile for issues that have nothing to do with the personal safety of others.

Go ahead slag away, at least then you put no innocents at further risk

Sorry, but as an American expat I feel compelled to 'slag' my county when they do wrong.

The entire point of my CRY WOLF comparison is that this constant scare mongering is ineffective and it will potentially have the exact opposite effect in the case of an actual threat --- just like the result of the cry wolf story.

It isn't constant scare mongering if it isn't the

same time same place same message.

It is not. It is time and place specific.

I still would rather have the warning and make slight modifications of my plans than not.

And for the record I have been too close to TWO terrorist bombings that I would have

LOVED to have fair warning about before hand to be elsewhere.

But someone I was talking to was killed.... So don't say it doesn't happen.

These incidents have certainly changed my perspective away from yours.

Edited January 16, 2012 by animatic