Thai Govt Needs To Learn From This Terrorism Case

[webfact]

BURNING ISSUE

Govt needs to learn from this terrorism case

Supalak Ganjanakhundee

The Nation

As long as nothing happens in the short term, the government can say that the case of the suspected Lebanese terrorist cell is well under control.

However, the government does not seem to be dealing with the case as far as providing clear information goes.

People have been left wondering if this threat is real, what will be done with the man if he isn't a threat and why foreign embassies are still issuing warnings of terrorism threats in Thailand if the protagonist has been caught and a stockpile of explosives confiscated. Things seemed strange from the very beginning, but maybe that is the nature of how Thailand handles security. Thai authorities have been handling high-profile cases since the Hambali one in 2003.

Basically, security officials nab the suspects once they get tip-offs from concerned countries, usually the United States, and then quietly have them deported, by-passing the Thai legal procedure. All the public gets to learn is that the case is done and over with.

However, the latest case seems to have gone the other way. The issue was circulated in the intelligence community for days and later acknowledged by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha. Police arrested a Lebanese man, identified as Atris Hussein, on Friday before the US Embassy issued a warning of a terrorist threat in Bangkok. There is nothing abnormal about an embassy issuing a warning, except this time it was issued at around the same time as the threat was discovered and contained.

Yuthasak expressed his dissatisfaction with the timing of the warning, saying it could create panic among local residents and foreign tourists in the country. Yet, the US warning still stood on Monday when police raided a building on Rama II Road and found more than 4 tonnes of urea fertiliser and 260 litres of ammonium nitrate - chemicals that can be used to make bombs.

The warning was still visible on the US Embassy's website yesterday, as if the threat was still far from over. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, meanwhile, does not appear to have any idea of how to deal with the damage and was only heard saying that things were under control and that she had instructed the Foreign Ministry to provide clear information to foreign representatives and tourists.

National police chief Priewpan Damapong also quoted the suspect as saying that Hezbollah was not planning to attack Bangkok, but that it had hidden the materials for shipment to another destination. So far, Hussein has only been charged with possessing potentially lethal substances without permission, deputy national police chief Pansiri Papawat said.

The suspect is, however, being detained for further questioning in a move to root out other Hezbollah cells that might be operating out of Thailand. As for what will be done with the detainee: police believe that since he never had any intentions of blowing up Bangkok, he should not be charged with plotting an act of terrorism. Apparently, the charge of holding a lethal substance without permission is tough enough for him, and if no other country requests his extradition, he will serve his punishment in Thailand.

Perhaps, it is not such a good idea to hold a dangerous troublemaker in a country that does not have fraught relations with anyone else. This case might not be the last one, but the authorities should use it as a lesson and learn that matters like this should be dealt with quickly and quietly and that the public should be informed honestly.

-- The Nation 2012-01-18

[gopnarak]

National police chief Priewpan Damapong also quoted the suspect as saying that Hezbollah was not planning to attack Bangkok, but that it had hidden the materials for shipment to another destination. So far, Hussein has only been charged with possessing potentially lethal substances without permission, deputy national police chief Pansiri Papawat said.

The suspect is, however, being detained for further questioning in a move to root out other Hezbollah cells that might be operating out of Thailand. As for what will be done with the detainee: police believe that since he never had any intentions of blowing up Bangkok, he should not be charged with plotting an act of terrorism.

No terror plot, no planned attack in Bangkok, no bomb.

Just lacking the proper license to store some chemicals.

I think that will clear some confusion here what are the conspiracy theories and what is actually the reality.

[kerryk]

National police chief Priewpan Damapong also quoted the suspect as saying that Hezbollah was not planning to attack Bangkok, but that it had hidden the materials for shipment to another destination. So far, Hussein has only been charged with possessing potentially lethal substances without permission, deputy national police chief Pansiri Papawat said.

The suspect is, however, being detained for further questioning in a move to root out other Hezbollah cells that might be operating out of Thailand. As for what will be done with the detainee: police believe that since he never had any intentions of blowing up Bangkok, he should not be charged with plotting an act of terrorism.

No terror plot, no planned attack in Bangkok, no bomb.

Just lacking the proper license to store some chemicals.

I think that will clear some confusion here what are the conspiracy theories and what is actually the reality.

14 embassies don't agree with you. What are your credentials or sources that you are right and they are wrong? I'm not saying that you are wrong. How long have you lived in Thailand? How well do you know Hezabollah? How well do you know the guy arrested? Were you in the know from December 22? Who clued you in? Do you speak and read Thai and are you aware what the local media is saying? Do you have the PM on your speed dial? I would like a good source for news. You may be the person. Give us some background. Certainly we have that from government and news sources. It's only fair.

[gopnarak]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

Edited January 18, 2012 by gopnarak

[slapout]

When individuals are asked to explain a situation/event and their explanation leaves more questions unanswered than answered nor have they answered the orgin questions, then incomptent may be a very adpt discription of this individual.

Some would say there is a fine line between stupidy and ignorance, others would propose that both are headed toward the same end result but one takes the fastest route to the inevatable outcome.

[Unkomoncents]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

So this post is on behalf of all Thais? I know a number of Thais and foreigners of non-Western nationalities that see the US Embassy's information as more than prudent. And, for the record, globalization means that countries a-r-e n-o-w c-o-n-n-e-c-t-e-d (very slowly for comprehension purposes). If any country wants to support a large tourism industry dependent on international flights in and out of major international airports, they are going to have to take part in the anti-terror agenda. That's just a point of fact that needs little deliberation. I would've thought that would be obvious?! I sense that someone may have been frisked a bit too roughly on last international airport security inspection.

It helps to legitimize the US's action that 14 other embassies, including Japan, agreed with the American Government's action and initiated their own warnings. Explosive chemicals were found in a shophouse here in Thailand. Suspects arrested. Government, just as plain as day, trying to save face and prevent any more damage to a country reeling from successive disasters. Thanks US Government for helping alert those of us who care to live to a very real danger.

[flying]

The warning was still visible on the US Embassy's website yesterday, as if the threat was still far from over.

Not to say in this case it is warranted or not but.............

I would not base it all on whether the US takes their warning down or not.

Remember we here in the USA have been under a Declared State Of emergency for over a decade now.

Originally signed by GWB on 9/14/2001

Then extended by BO on 9/10/2009

Just sayin

[slapout]

When the individual leaves more questions unanswered than they answer and the orginal questions are not answered, then incompetent is probably a adpt discription.

Some would say there is a fine line between being stupid or ignorant but the end result for either lead to very similar results. The latter seem to take somewhat longer to travel the road to the objective, than the former.

[Galong]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

[whybother]

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

Why would they discuss it with the Thai government? The Thai government would just tell them not to say anything, it's all under control, we have the suspect in custody, there's no threat. Just the same lies as they've been telling everyone else.

[pimay11]

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

Why would they discuss it with the Thai government? The Thai government would just tell them not to say anything, it's all under control, we have the suspect in custody, there's no threat. Just the same lies as they've been telling everyone else.

For all any of us know it probably was discussed with the Thai government by the US. Anyone who says it definately was not is only speculating.

[flying]

For all any of us know it probably was discussed with the Thai government by the US. Anyone who says it definately was not is only speculating.

That is a zero sum statement

[noitom]

Your facts are wrong in this news story. You stated - "There is nothing abnormal about an embassy issuing a warning, except this time it was issued at around the same time as the threat was discovered and contained." In fact the Israeli Intelligence agency Mossad, notified Thai Foreign Ministry on Dec 22, again on January 8 - here is one of many sources - http://www.7days.ae/article/news/global/terrorist-alert-thailand-32206 - Other sources on the web indicate as early a Dec 18 and 8 as well.

So please check your facts before you write opinion in the newspaper.

[noitom]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

It was discussed with Thai Foreign Ministry on Dec 22 and then again on Jan 8 . Isareli and US intelligence was warning the Thais who were typically ignoring them. Here is one source -

http://www.7days.ae/article/news/global/terrorist-alert-thailand-32206 - there are many on the Internet if you want to find them

[noitom]

Thailand is part of the global community and the global war on terrorism just as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL,Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and other tourist destinations in Asia. A Thai political group was able to abduct the Suvarnibhumi airport for over a week as recently as Dec 2008. If anything would signal Thailand's security breaches and terrorist risk exposure it was this act of terrorism. The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus would clearly signal other risk and exposure to Thailand. The slapping of a security officer at the airport last week on videotape would clearly signal to anyone that Thailand is unable to secure its airports and its citizens. The bombing of CBD in Jn New Year 2007 also signals that Thailand is exposed and does nothing to further secure its citizens. Whether it was domestic or not , airport breaches and bombings are now international terror incidents. Thailand is part of the global community at war on terror and needs to act as such and stop acting like a shill for its massive sex trade business.

[kerryk]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

I live in Thailand and have for many years. I was involved in the Thai war against terror when I first got here. I appreciate your statements that Asian embassies are more credible than Western embassies, Burma, China, Cambodia and so on but my other questions remain unanswered.

It seems to me from the information you are posting that you don't live in Thailand, speak the language, or watch local media. And from your posting history you only have an interest in anti US rhetoric. Feel free to look at my posting history as it covers a broad spectrum of Thai topics. You however seem only interested in defending Middle Eastern groups against Western interests and that leads me to believe you have no interest in Thailand except as a stage for your anti Western feelings.

But I am open minded. Care to take a shot at answering my other queries? What are your credentials or sources that you are right and they are wrong? I'm not saying that you are wrong. How long have you lived in Thailand? How well do you know Hezabollah? How well do you know the guy arrested? Were you in the know from December 22? Who clued you in? Do you speak and read Thai and are you aware what the local media is saying? Do you have the PM on your speed dial?

[Gers1873]

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

Why would they discuss it with the Thai government? The Thai government would just tell them not to say anything, it's all under control, we have the suspect in custody, there's no threat. Just the same lies as they've been telling everyone else.

For all any of us know it probably was discussed with the Thai government by the US. Anyone who says it definately was not is only speculating.

But they didnt discuss it openly in the media - there was no 'play-by-play' account of the investigation therefore the authorities were incompetent. And more worrying they didnt consult TV posters who are amongst the most informed in the world and who have many contacts in the intelligence community.

[kerryk]

Thailand is part of the global community and the global war on terrorism just as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL,Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and other tourist destinations in Asia. A Thai political group was able to abduct the Suvarnibhumi airport for over a week as recently as Dec 2008. If anything would signal Thailand's security breaches and terrorist risk exposure it was this act of terrorism. The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus would clearly signal other risk and exposure to Thailand. The slapping of a security officer at the airport last week on videotape would clearly signal to anyone that Thailand is unable to secure its airports and its citizens. The bombing of CBD in Jn New Year 2007 also signals that Thailand is exposed and does nothing to further secure its citizens. Whether it was domestic or not , airport breaches and bombings are now international terror incidents. Thailand is part of the global community at war on terror and needs to act as such and stop acting like a shill for its massive sex trade business.

I agree with everything you said except the last sentence. It is a business like any other once you take out moral prejudices. Thailand has had a firm grip on that business since the 1600's. They are good at that and welding and growing rice. Rather than trying to redesign the economy why not capitalize on their areas of expertise. It should be taught in university rather than buried in sleezy neighborhoods. Terrorism effects all export industries. It reduces foreign exchange coming into the country and driving the economy. If any part of the tourism industry is resistant to domestic and international terrorism it is the punter industry and it's loyal followers come he** or highwater.

[Orac]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

It was discussed with Thai Foreign Ministry on Dec 22 and then again on Jan 8 . Isareli and US intelligence was warning the Thais who were typically ignoring them. Here is one source -

http://www.7days.ae/...-thailand-32206 - there are many on the Internet if you want to find them

There seem to be a lot of 'facts' on the internet attributed to unknown sources and many seem to contradict others. There seems to be some confusion over when guy in custody was arrested - Debkafile and the BP this morning are saying Thursday which was before the terrorist alert which would blow a hole in the Thais ignoring the warning argument. Another BP article this morning is quoting the Democrat party spokesman saying that the shophouse raided is rented by the police and it has been for some time. Also in the BP there is a police source stating that US officials were turned down in their request to be present during the questioning of the suspect which begs the question where is all this information the press are using coming from.

[kerryk]

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

Why would they discuss it with the Thai government? The Thai government would just tell them not to say anything, it's all under control, we have the suspect in custody, there's no threat. Just the same lies as they've been telling everyone else.

For all any of us know it probably was discussed with the Thai government by the US. Anyone who says it definately was not is only speculating.

But they didnt discuss it openly in the media - there was no 'play-by-play' account of the investigation therefore the authorities were incompetent. And more worrying they didnt consult TV posters who are amongst the most informed in the world and who have many contacts in the intelligence community.

But they did discuss it openly but all the statements contradicted fact or each other.

[OzMick]

Thailand is part of the global community and the global war on terrorism just as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL,Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and other tourist destinations in Asia. A Thai political group was able to abduct the Suvarnibhumi airport for over a week as recently as Dec 2008. If anything would signal Thailand's security breaches and terrorist risk exposure it was this act of terrorism. The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus would clearly signal other risk and exposure to Thailand. The slapping of a security officer at the airport last week on videotape would clearly signal to anyone that Thailand is unable to secure its airports and its citizens. The bombing of CBD in Jn New Year 2007 also signals that Thailand is exposed and does nothing to further secure its citizens. Whether it was domestic or not , airport breaches and bombings are now international terror incidents. Thailand is part of the global community at war on terror and needs to act as such and stop acting like a shill for its massive sex trade business.

1/ "abduct" doesn't mean what you think it does. I also don't see how the occupation qualified as terrorism.

2/ "The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus" should have read "The killing BY Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus"

[BWPattaya]

Can someone tell me what is the value of an embassy issuing warnings? What am I to do differently? Isn't this sort of warning falling into the terrorists trap? Isn't a warning more likely to instil terror in those of us that hear about it?

To those who heeded the warning what did you do? What did you not do? Did you decide not to go shopping? Not to go to the airport? Has anyone ever cancelled a trip or holiday because of the potential for terrorist activity?

[meom]

If any part of the tourism industry is resistant to domestic and international terrorism it is the punter industry and it's loyal followers come he** or highwater.

This might be a stretch but thanks to the punter industry there has not been any real terrorist acts against foreigners in Thailand.

Terrorists are on the game as well and Thailand has long been a playground for overseas terrorists when they are tired of killing innocents and need time to relax.

[noitom]

Thailand is part of the global community and the global war on terrorism just as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL,Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and other tourist destinations in Asia. A Thai political group was able to abduct the Suvarnibhumi airport for over a week as recently as Dec 2008. If anything would signal Thailand's security breaches and terrorist risk exposure it was this act of terrorism. The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus would clearly signal other risk and exposure to Thailand. The slapping of a security officer at the airport last week on videotape would clearly signal to anyone that Thailand is unable to secure its airports and its citizens. The bombing of CBD in Jn New Year 2007 also signals that Thailand is exposed and does nothing to further secure its citizens. Whether it was domestic or not , airport breaches and bombings are now international terror incidents. Thailand is part of the global community at war on terror and needs to act as such and stop acting like a shill for its massive sex trade business.

I agree with everything you said except the last sentence. It is a business like any other once you take out moral prejudices. Thailand has had a firm grip on that business since the 1600's. They are good at that and welding and growing rice. Rather than trying to redesign the economy why not capitalize on their areas of expertise. It should be taught in university rather than buried in sleezy neighborhoods. Terrorism effects all export industries. It reduces foreign exchange coming into the country and driving the economy. If any part of the tourism industry is resistant to domestic and international terrorism it is the punter industry and it's loyal followers come he** or highwater.

it's not a moral prejudice. It's objection to denial and mendacity. It's Thai society's, the press, the government, and business' complete denial of its existence. Everything that is written or spoken about as far as economics, social systems, education, business, consistently deny that the sex trade is big business and a majority of tourist money is spent on this segment of 'black economy" and not accounted for or discussed at all. Ever. It is not even brought up in any sort of social or economic discussion. Thai middle and upper class claim they despise it and ridicule the girls consistently as scum. It's not the only thing Thais deny. My main squawk is misrepresentation and denial of basic fundamental truths and reality.

[Morch]

National police chief Priewpan Damapong also quoted the suspect as saying that Hezbollah was not planning to attack Bangkok, but that it had hidden the materials for shipment to another destination. So far, Hussein has only been charged with possessing potentially lethal substances without permission, deputy national police chief Pansiri Papawat said.

The suspect is, however, being detained for further questioning in a move to root out other Hezbollah cells that might be operating out of Thailand. As for what will be done with the detainee: police believe that since he never had any intentions of blowing up Bangkok, he should not be charged with plotting an act of terrorism.

No terror plot, no planned attack in Bangkok, no bomb.

Just lacking the proper license to store some chemicals.

I think that will clear some confusion here what are the conspiracy theories and what is actually the reality.

Hmm...thought you mistrusted what is written in the media, quoting of officials and politicians etc....

Guess it depends on content and context.

[noitom]

Thailand is part of the global community and the global war on terrorism just as Singapore, Hong Kong, KL,Tokyo, Seoul, Bali and other tourist destinations in Asia. A Thai political group was able to abduct the Suvarnibhumi airport for over a week as recently as Dec 2008. If anything would signal Thailand's security breaches and terrorist risk exposure it was this act of terrorism. The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus would clearly signal other risk and exposure to Thailand. The slapping of a security officer at the airport last week on videotape would clearly signal to anyone that Thailand is unable to secure its airports and its citizens. The bombing of CBD in Jn New Year 2007 also signals that Thailand is exposed and does nothing to further secure its citizens. Whether it was domestic or not , airport breaches and bombings are now international terror incidents. Thailand is part of the global community at war on terror and needs to act as such and stop acting like a shill for its massive sex trade business.

1/ "abduct" doesn't mean what you think it does. I also don't see how the occupation qualified as terrorism.

2/ "The killing of Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus" should have read "The killing BY Muslim insurgents in the south to the tune of 5,000 plus"

Major international airport hub "shutdown", complete stop, all airline, no traffic, tens of thousands of travelers held as proxy hostage, while airport occupied and "abducted." In the age of terror, this is a major exposure and act of terror. If you read the ML press you see it the other way. It's a which comes first the chicken or the egg question, but Thailand is the domain country and it's up to them to find a solution and reconcile the issues or make clear steps to do so and be truthful about it.

[ttthailand]

How many of these Embassies are Asian embassies and how many are embassies from NATO states.

Thais don't want get involved in your war on terror.

Abhisit said: "We need proper measures to protect our people - but for foreign countries, notably the US, we cannot allow them to guide us on any matter,"

http://www.thaivisa....59#entry4984859

Thais aren't stupid or incompetent just because you don't get their opinion.

Spot-on!

Furthermore, Thailand is a free country and these embassies aren't showing Thailand the respect she deserves. They didn't discuss this matter with the Thai government before issuing their warnings. That's just rude.

Thailand should not have to deal with the repercussions of the United State's horrible foreign policies. If, however, potential repercussions are evident, the US should share its information.

It was discussed with Thai Foreign Ministry on Dec 22 and then again on Jan 8 . Isareli and US intelligence was warning the Thais who were typically ignoring them. Here is one source -

http://www.7days.ae/...-thailand-32206 - there are many on the Internet if you want to find them

There seem to be a lot of 'facts' on the internet attributed to unknown sources and many seem to contradict others. There seems to be some confusion over when guy in custody was arrested - Debkafile and the BP this morning are saying Thursday which was before the terrorist alert which would blow a hole in the Thais ignoring the warning argument. Another BP article this morning is quoting the Democrat party spokesman saying that the shophouse raided is rented by the police and it has been for some time. Also in the BP there is a police source stating that US officials were turned down in their request to be present during the questioning of the suspect which begs the question where is all this information the press are using coming from.

Perhaps the time difference between the UK and Thailand is what we are seeing

[Orac]

There seem to be a lot of 'facts' on the internet attributed to unknown sources and many seem to contradict others. There seems to be some confusion over when guy in custody was arrested - Debkafile and the BP this morning are saying Thursday which was before the terrorist alert which would blow a hole in the Thais ignoring the warning argument. Another BP article this morning is quoting the Democrat party spokesman saying that the shophouse raided is rented by the police and it has been for some time. Also in the BP there is a police source stating that US officials were turned down in their request to be present during the questioning of the suspect which begs the question where is all this information the press are using coming from.

Perhaps the time difference between the UK and Thailand is what we are seeing

What does the UK have to do with it and why would the Bangkok Post be quoting in a different time zone. Personally I doubt that they are correct in this and it is a mistake but it does highlight the problem of the media getting import facts wrong and exposes the holes in some of the 'authorative' reports we are seeing. Another one was the Haaretz report who stated that Israel had warned of 3 lebanese/swedish terrorist entering Thailand but the arrest being of a lebanese/swiss man. There are very few 'facts' in this case so far that have not been contradicted in some way.

Edited January 18, 2012 by Orac

[whybother]

Major international airport hub "shutdown", complete stop, all airline, no traffic, tens of thousands of travelers held as proxy hostage, while airport occupied and "abducted." In the age of terror, this is a major exposure and act of terror. If you read the ML press you see it the other way. It's a which comes first the chicken or the egg question, but Thailand is the domain country and it's up to them to find a solution and reconcile the issues or make clear steps to do so and be truthful about it.

"Major international airport hub "shutdown", complete stop, all airline, no traffic, tens of thousands of travelers held as proxy hostage"

That sounds like a pilot's or baggage handler's strike, or major snow storm or a volcano.

[chrisinth]

However, the latest case seems to have gone the other way. The issue was circulated in the intelligence community for days and later acknowledged by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung and Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapha. "Police arrested a Lebanese man, identified as Atris Hussein, on Friday before the US Embassy issued a warning of a terrorist threat in Bangkok." There is nothing abnormal about an embassy issuing a warning, except this time it was issued at around the same time as the threat was discovered and contained.

That should make a few posters think about what they said in other topics on this subject. The arrest/detention was made before the Americans released there warning.

So much for the in-action of the Thais until forced into action..............