Bomb Materials Meant For The Mideast: Thai Police

[webfact]

TERROR ARREST

Bomb materials meant for the Mideast: Police

THE NATION

Destined for 3 nations; suspect says material left in shophouse by Mossad

Police have discovered that the foreign suspect who has been detained over his alleged links to a terror network had been planning to send bomb-making materials to three countries in the Middle East, a source revealed yesterday.

"The suspect had contacted an export company on Sukhumvit Soi 3," the source said.

Atris Hussein, who holds both Lebanese and Swedish nationalities, was nabbed at Suvarnabhumi Airport early this month. He has been widely linked to Hezbollah, a militant group and political party based in Lebanon.

His arrest has since become big news.

However, in a recent interview, Hussein told the Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that he was set up.

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

In his interview, Hussein insisted that he ran an export business, which involved his buying goods in Asia and sending them to other countries, including Lebanon.

"The products were fans, copy paper, ice packs used for pain relief," he told the paper.

However, the source said yesterday that another foreigner was believed to have paid Hussein about US$5,000 (Bt150,000) after checking on the bomb-making materials at his shophouse in Samut Sakhon. Police uncovered huge amounts of ammonium nitrate and urea fertiliser at the site, and since the former is a controlled substance in Thailand, Hussein is being charged with having a prohibited substance in his possession.

Police have also issued an arrest warrant for Jieme Paolo or Sami Sam, a 42-year-old Lebanese national, on the same charge. He has been described as one of Hussein's accomplices.

"We have been checking whether this suspect has left the country," Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner General Pansiri Prapawat said.

He added that Paolo had been living in the shophouse rented by Hussein. This is in addition to the sketch of a third man that was displayed by police spokesman Maj-General Piya Utayo.

"We have to find out more about the man in the sketch before taking further action," Pansiri said.

According to Pansiri, Hussein had travelled in and out of Thailand about 11 times over the past few years. He and his accomplices had rented a house opposite Tesco Lotus superstore in Samut Sakhon from 2009 to late 2010, before moving to the shophouse.

"We have acquired more evidence but cannot reveal it at this point," Pansiri said.

According to an English translation of the report published by Aftonbladet posted on www.thelocal.se,

Hussein is 47, moved to Sweden in 1989 and took Swedish citizenship in 1994. In 2005, he moved back to Lebanon but held on to his Swedish passport. The report also said Hussein used to work as a hairdresser in Gothenburg.

China yesterday became the first country to revoke its warning to citizens about the terrorism threat in Thailand, according to Foreign Minister Surapong Towichukchaikul. About 20 countries issued such warnings.

Surapong said the move would bolster tourism and encourage other countries to remove their warnings.

-- The Nation 2012-01-21

[Ulysses G.]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

[OZEMADE]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

The US and Israel gave Thailand the info and he has admitted now that the Bomb making material was destined to three other Mid East countries. They were also going to Bomb other parts of Bangkok that are frequented by Isralies and other nationalities including Thais, without caring who they blow up. Then Thailand want to keep the peace and recognise Palestine as a State, in order to not make waves. What a F*****g joke.

[noitom]

The Thais sure are "thrashing about." What happened to all their mendacious comments and distortions about what really happened that the Israelis warned them as early as Dec 18, 22, and again on Jan 8. Why was this Lebanese national and now two others denied by the Thais for so long? What about the incompetent reporting on this story and fact omissions to suit the Thai claims that "everything was under control" and the threat was not real?

The Thai threat to demonstrate the US embassy in protest of the posted warning on the US embassy web site is preposterous and illustrates Thailand's international ineptness. Thailand "all of a sudden" formally recognizes Palestine in the UN and panders to muslim tourism. They stated in the Bangkok Post that "We hope that muslims will now see us as a friend rather than just a tourist destination." My goodness, Thais are so bold and courageous. They now are trying to send a message to muslims, we are your allies, bomb and terrorize at will around the world, but not in Thailand. You can even export urea fertilizer and ammonia, and if caught, it is merely a charge of illegal chemicals not terrorism. use Thailand as "a hub" for your making of bombs and cell groupings. Just see us as a friend to muslims, and come here not just for sex tourism and drugs, but buy property and take over our farang neighborhoods. Be comfortable here. We love muslims especially in south Thailand.

The evangelizing of China's 'revocation" of the terror alert in Bangkok is an attempt to curry favor with Chinese travel agents, Thai travel agents, and the Thai businesses who profit from this trade. It is a logical conclusion, based on the character and culture of the two nations, that there was likely to be some "pay down" to achieve this. But the Chinese were similarly "bold and courageous" to be the first of 20 nations to lift the alert. The Chinese are very wise to follow insightful Thai leadership and take direction from Thais.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Let's see... so far three identified Lebanese guys.... one in custody, two on the run....

Israeli sources say the third missing guy is likely a known high level recruiter for Hezbollah...

The second guy, Sami, supposedly was living in the rented shophouse... But somehow, someone manages to "plant" 4 TONS of bomb making chemicals there to set up Hussein, unbeknownst to them all. Even though the chemicals supposedly had been stored there for many months.

And if they were running any kind of legitimate export business, which seems pretty improbable, I don't see/hear Hussein's buddies coming forward to defend him or offer any corroborating evidence.

Lastly, we're talking about a Lebanese guy who apparently goes to Sweden just long enough to get married and gain Swedish citizenship, and then zip back to Lebanon... And only return to Sweden again just long enough to supposedly renew his expiring Swedish passport in 2005.... Wonder what his motivation might have been to do that???

[blackthorn2005]

I wonder how much of this bomb making material was destined for Thailand's newly recognised friend, Palestine?

[unanimosity]

The Thais sure are "thrashing about." What happened to all their mendacious comments and distortions about what really happened that the Israelis warned them as early as Dec 18, 22, and again on Jan 8. Why was this Lebanese national and now two others denied by the Thais for so long? What about the incompetent reporting on this story and fact omissions to suit the Thai claims that "everything was under control" and the threat was not real?

The Thai threat to demonstrate the US embassy in protest of the posted warning on the US embassy web site is preposterous and illustrates Thailand's international ineptness. Thailand "all of a sudden" formally recognizes Palestine in the UN and panders to muslim tourism. They stated in the Bangkok Post that "We hope that muslims will now see us as a friend rather than just a tourist destination." My goodness, Thais are so bold and courageous. They now are trying to send a message to muslims, we are your allies, bomb and terrorize at will around the world, but not in Thailand. You can even export urea fertilizer and ammonia, and if caught, it is merely a charge of illegal chemicals not terrorism. use Thailand as "a hub" for your making of bombs and cell groupings. Just see us as a friend to muslims, and come here not just for sex tourism and drugs, but buy property and take over our farang neighborhoods. Be comfortable here. We love muslims especially in south Thailand.

The evangelizing of China's 'revocation" of the terror alert in Bangkok is an attempt to curry favor with Chinese travel agents, Thai travel agents, and the Thai businesses who profit from this trade. It is a logical conclusion, based on the character and culture of the two nations, that there was likely to be some "pay down" to achieve this. But the Chinese were similarly "bold and courageous" to be the first of 20 nations to lift the alert. The Chinese are very wise to follow insightful Thai leadership and take direction from Thais.

After all, Thais in business are predominantly Chinese in origin. So who is following whom? In any event, countries with no liability and remedial litigation put little value on human life. The only thing either of them follow is the money.

[z12]

"The suspect had contacted an export company on Sukhumvit Soi 3,"

Really Sukhumvit Soi 3, who would have thought to look there?

Would have been interesting had they accidently exploded there.

Edited January 21, 2012 by z12

[unanimosity]

Let's see... so far three identified Lebanese guys.... one in custody, two on the run....

Israeli sources say the third missing guy is likely a known high level recruiter for Hezbollah...

The second guy, Sami, supposedly was living in the rented shophouse... But somehow, someone manages to "plant" 4 TONS of bomb making chemicals there to set up Hussein, unbeknownst to them all. Even though the chemicals supposedly had been stored there for many months.

And if they were running any kind of legitimate export business, which seems pretty improbable, I don't see/hear Hussein's buddies coming forward to defend him or offer any corroborating evidence.

Lastly, we're talking about a Lebanese guy who apparently goes to Sweden just long enough to get married and gain Swedish citizenship, and then zip back to Lebanon... And only return to Sweden again just long enough to supposedly renew his expiring Swedish passport in 2005.... Wonder what his motivation might have been to do that???

Let's assume that Mossad did in fact plant the 4 tons in his shophouse. Wouldn't the understandable reaction be to make arrangements to export it?

[geriatrickid]

Another example of Thai crisis management. Everyone wants to talk to the press. Everyone wants to be important.

Don't these government officials understand how incompetent they look now?

[animatic]

Another example of Thai crisis management. Everyone wants to talk to the press. Everyone wants to be important.

Don't these government officials understand how incompetent they look now?

Agreed. They seem to love talking to the press to impress others with their importance.

Sadly they too often neglect to insert anything of actual importance or more tellingly, verified accuracy in what they say to the press.

The blind leading the dead and not asking directions to the dance before departing.

[webfact]

Natl Security Council chief asserts Lebanese-Swedish man lawfully detained in terror probe, not set up by Israel's Mossad as claimed /MCOT

[jrincon17]

for all you guys that bashed the good ol us of a about the warnings should feel pretty bad and may have saved your life !

[transam]

for all you guys that bashed the good ol US of A about the warnings should feel pretty bad and may have saved your life !

+1

[Docno]

Incredible how some folks here are so ready to criticise the Thai authorities almost to the point of suggesting that all of them are buffoons. I sometimes wonder why you choose to live in Thailand if that's how you feel about the place and its people. It's quite possible that this man's intent really was to ship ammonium nitrate to a middle east destination where it is not available or is banned outright (see http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2010/06/09/f-faq-ammonium-nitrate.html). Because of the large agrarian sector and large foreign 'population' and perhaps looser oversight, he would have a better chance of doing so from Thailand than from a place like Sweden or Australia or Canada. And sure, the government's recognition of Palestine at this time is probably intended to keep Thailand off the hit-list of Muslim extremists now that it has arrested a Hezbollah associate, but I suspect that it also doesn't represent an about-face for government policy.

And before some of you get so outraged about the apparent stupidity of the Thai authorities (in your minds), remember that some of you come from countries (with all of your sophisticated intelligence apparatus) that invaded another nation on the pretext of seizing WMDs that were never found. Of course, the rationale then changed to liberating a people oppressed by an evil dictator (unfortunately, at the cost of many thousands of lives).

[garrfeild]

for all you guys that bashed the good ol us of a about the warnings should feel pretty bad and may have saved your life !

Actually it was the Israeli's that gave the warning first. The American tourist warning is the usual paranoia we get from the good old US of A as for saving lives. Well lets not go there, as we all know the answer to that nonsense as well.

[h90]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

[h90]

for all you guys that bashed the good ol us of a about the warnings should feel pretty bad and may have saved your life !

most probably it was a setup to catch someone the USA doesn't like. It does not look like a real terrorist thing.

[z12]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

It is not a terrorist activity to execute terrorists

Groups, organizations, religions, ideologies, countries, etc that target every man woman and child that is not a member of their orgainazation or does not believe what they believe are terrorists and history has proved that time and time again

[animatic]

Natl Security Council chief asserts Lebanese-Swedish man lawfully detained in terror probe, not set up by Israel's Mossad as claimed /MCOT

It is reasonable to assume that a portion of the bomb components was intended for delivery outside Thailand, but to assume all is short sighted. It is also quite reasonable to assume that Mossad tracked this cell and didn't remove the components, but lead the Thais to them kicking and screaming, about being forced to removed heads from politically expedient rectums.

Edited January 21, 2012 by metisdead
Deleted post edited out of quote.

[chooka]

Somehow I get the feeling that the thai authorities are just making up these stories as they go along. 1st no terrorism threats, all propaganda by the west, then was a guy who has done nothing wrong and being released, then oh we will charge him. Sorry I just can't believe a thing that is comming out. What have they done, hired a scriptwriter from one of thier t.V shows?

[NastyNick]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

Indeed. In the past Muslim media blamed Israeli spy agency Mossad for:

* Saudi Arabian officials have "detained" a vulture on accusations of being a spy for Israel, media reports say. The griffon vulture was carrying a GPS transmitter bearing the name of Tel Aviv University, prompting rumours it was part of a "Zionist plot". (reference: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12120259)

* An Egyptian official has claimed that a shark that killed one person and left four others injured in Egypt could have been placed there by agents from Mossad, the Israeli spy agency. (reference: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/egypt/8185915/Shark-sent-to-Egypt-by-Mossad.html)

* Hamas police spokesman Islam Shahwan claimed (it) had uncovered a plot of the Israeli intelligence services to distribute libido-enhancing chewing gum in an attempt to “destroy” the young (Palestinian) generation. (ref: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/israel/5830080/Hamas-accuses-Israel-of-dumping-aphrodisiac-gum-on-Gaza.html)

* Iran’s state-run Press TV reported in the wake of the attempted 2009 Christmas Day bombing of an airliner headed to Detroit by Nigerian national Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, was in fact an undertaking of the Mossad in collusion with India's Research and Analysis Wing,. The goal was to spread “Orwellian-style trauma and project Yemen, as well as the African continent, [as] the brand-new focus of the American so-called ‘war on terror,” it said. (ref: http://edition.presstv.ir/detail/117281.html)

* Mossad agents stage a headbanger's ball in Turkey featuring Metallica, Slayer, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Rammstein to embarrass Turkish Muslims. (ref: http://www.eurasianet.org/node/61393)

Sneaking 5 tons of explosives into someone's garage is a piece of cake for Mossad if they have perfected the art of training sharks and vultures. When in doubt, blame the Mossad.

[metisdead]

A post commenting on a technical nature has been removed. Rather than post here, use the report button to discuss the issue.

[h90]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

It is not a terrorist activity to execute terrorists

Groups, organizations, religions, ideologies, countries, etc that target every man woman and child that is not a member of their orgainazation or does not believe what they believe are terrorists and history has proved that time and time again

But if the Mossad put the explosives there than this guy isn't a terrorist.

Beside: which international law permits to execute someone and claim it was a terrorist (no court needed)?

Or if say an Arab is shooting an American soldier in Thailand, can he claim he just execute an American terrorist??

[PoodMaiDai]

Yea, because you can't buy any of that in the Middle East. LOL

The Thai gov and press is pure comedy, 24/7.

[cdnvic]

Some off-topic posts removed. Please deal with the story at hand and avoid a wider debate and history discussion.

[thairant]

Slighty off topic i concede,but after 15 years here and having seen suspects beaten by immigration police,having been kidnapped and driven around BK while ransoms are arranged,having to pay countless traffic cops to avoid inconvienent delays and countless other interesting events.Why do the 2 english language papers bother with their stories and particularly their editorials.We all know reading the quotes from Politicians and police are a joke.All be it bad ones.There is no credibility whatsoever.Then you have regular postbaag contributors like Khun Burin writing well meaning and often thoughtful letters on grand topics.But really why doesnt someone write about small scale issues with their personal experiences on how they dealt with for example local government corruption,corrupt cops etc.I ll tell you why because they have no power.Its about time Thailand had some vigilante,s .People will decry ,"you cant have people taking the law into their own hands".It wouldnt be so hard to target the guilty,would it.On a completely unrelated topic if anyone knows the UK addresses of Thai Politicians i,d like to know their details so as to be able to invite them for dinner when they are there.

[z12]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

It is not a terrorist activity to execute terrorists

Groups, organizations, religions, ideologies, countries, etc that target every man woman and child that is not a member of their orgainazation or does not believe what they believe are terrorists and history has proved that time and time again

But if the Mossad put the explosives there than this guy isn't a terrorist.

Beside: which international law permits to execute someone and claim it was a terrorist (no court needed)?

Or if say an Arab is shooting an American soldier in Thailand, can he claim he just execute an American terrorist??

You are wrong of course, and to answer you questions.

Which international law permits terrorists to execute someone?

American soldiers are not terrorists, are you saying it is ok for American soldiers to shoot Arabs anyplace they find them?

By his own words:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/526532-thai-police-find-explosive-chemicals-linked-to-terror-plot/page__fromsearch__1

He quoted Hussein as saying that the three-storey building was used to stock ingredients for explosives but that his network has never had any intention of attacking Thailand.

Among the ingredients found in the building, which had been rented by Hussein for about a year, were 396 kilograms of fertilisers and liquid ammonium nitrate.

"The suspect said the substances were usually shipped out of the country hidden in electric fan boxes," Priewphan said.

"The suspect asked me to tell Thai people not to worry because there would indefinitely be no terrorism attack in Thailand," he said.

[MyFriend You]

Yea, because you can't buy any of that in the Middle East. LOL

The Thai gov and press is pure comedy, 24/7.

Yes that is true, I am in Pakistan and can't buy more than a half kilo fertilizer for my yard at any one time - The bad guys bought it all. But there's plenty to go around - oh BTW the Thai's are building a 'inordinately large Embassy in Pakistan' pictures in the newspapers show it beng 'second only to the French, Saudi & the US Embassy'

Now we know where they get the ingredients to make all those IED's blowing up all over the country - Thailand!!

[soylentgreen]

"A lot of the material that police found in my storage facility had been placed there, most likely by the Israeli intelligence service Mossad," the newspaper quoted him as saying.

Yeah, sure.

Why Mossad is famous for such things and also have a long list of terrorist activities themself

Would yoiu care to elaborate on this without going into a historical discussion or widening the debate?