Chalerm: Immigration Bureau Needs To Implement Tougher Screening On Foreign Arrivals

[webfact]

Chalerm plans to set up new anti-terror center

BANGKOK, 4 April 2013 (NNT) - Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung plans to set up an anti-terror center, following the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)’s report that Thailand is one of the region’s most vulnerable terrorist targets.

Police Captain Chalerm who oversees national security said the Immigration Bureau needs to implement tougher screening on foreign arrivals as the country’s lax immigration policies and relative freedom has permitted regional terrorist movements to steadily build up influence.

After a meeting with the Department of Special Investigation chief Tarit Pengdit, Pol Capt Chalerm said the new command center is poised to tackle violent crimes and international terrorism threats.

The FBI has warned Thailand ranks top of the region as a possible terrorist target and ranks fifth in the world as a possible target for terror attacks.


-- NNT 2013-04-04

[ratcatcher]

Bring on the tourorists then.

[laurentbkk]

and how K. Chalerm thinks he will do that ? by keeping tourists longer for police interrogation ? so instead of 45 minutes queuing that will make one and half hour ? what a great move .......

[lee b]

Yeah this will piss the tourists off even more, and lets face it for the land of smiles i dont think ive ever seen one at thai immigration !!

[Ianatlarge]

Not that impressed. More paperwork, more delays, more $. The simplest way of improving the safety of Thais would be to refurbish the national road system. And lets all applaude one more example of terrorist hysteria.

[Nickymaster]

Another center is going to be set up by Chalerm. Why don't make it a division of the successful Pentagon 2?

Could save some money.

Tougher screening: start by recalling the passport of the fugitive former PM.

[Thaddeus]

"Sawadee Khrap, are you a terrorist?"

"No"

"ok"

[al007]

Just returned to thailand from an eight day visit to Cambodia, what a joy pleased to see you anxious to grant on arrival visa ASAP welcomed by immigration oh so different, return to thailand with proper marriage visa extension and greeted like we really are not welcome hvae to renew later this year expect again more hasstle, I support about ten people in thailand and still not welcome not complaining because if you do not like it leave as I was told by one immigration official, I choose to live here and most of the time so long as I satay away from immigration I am very happy

[asdecas]

Isn't this the man whose son fled to Cambodia without passing through immigration?

[lemoncake]

It should have been implemented years ago, tougher visa regulations, ie criminal history checks would be a good start. Perhaps a linked computer to Interpol to cross check as well

[MegaRanter]

I am glad I no longer call Thailand HOME, 2 week visits twice a year is enough for now.

[belg]

yes for those who live here and contribute and support & pay taxes, the yearly hassle to beg for an extention for the right to stay with your own wife and family + the 90 day report hassle...

and before i tought i was an international human right, to stay with your family, wife and children... but hey, we are only guests here, i mean, we are treathed like guests and not residents

[Westaurel]

Who do the United States think they are ?

Deal with the internal problems of a foreign nation. Thailand has always been proud to be the only nation in Southeast Asia which has not been colionalized.

But they just doing as the USA require. Because of these imperialists Americans, we will have to be subjected to a body search on arrival. A reason why I don't go to America, but impose that there, it's a scandal !

They should rather clean the mess at their home with all the xxxx, rifle massacres there before interfere in things that are none their business !

Edited April 4, 2013 by metisdead
Profanity

[eddie61]

It seems that many departments are poised for campaigns at the moment.

[uptheos]

Just returned to thailand from an eight day visit to Cambodia, what a joy pleased to see you anxious to grant on arrival visa ASAP welcomed by immigration oh so different, return to thailand with proper marriage visa extension and greeted like we really are not welcome hvae to renew later this year expect again more hasstle, I support about ten people in thailand and still not welcome not complaining because if you do not like it leave as I was told by one immigration official, I choose to live here and most of the time so long as I satay away from immigration I am very happy

Right, no need to socialize with them, so they become somewhat irrelevant.

[ALFREDO]

It should have been implemented years ago, tougher visa regulations, ie criminal history checks would be a good start. Perhaps a linked computer to Interpol to cross check as well

Exactly, and one or two weeks in quarantine in a detention center for tourists before allowed entry for ALL! Until everything is clarified in detail!

"When are you born? Where are you born? Why are you born?" -

[Robbie Dye]

Vetted Visas for Russians might reduce the Mafia effect...or not?

[grantbkk]

What are you people talking about. The topic is about a more thorough screening process upon arrival. This is the same guy who said terrorism is under control last month. Nothing is going to change except the guy with the ex-fugitive, acquitted killer son will get more resources at the expense of the Thai people.

A hint for the police captain. Look to the south for the terrorists that are murdering men, women, children, police and military personnel.

[lemoncake]

It should have been implemented years ago, tougher visa regulations, ie criminal history checks would be a good start. Perhaps a linked computer to Interpol to cross check as well

Exactly, and one or two weeks in quarantine in a detention center for tourists before allowed entry for ALL! Until everything is clarified in detail!

"When are you born? Where are you born? Why are you born?" -

With some esteem guests just tattoo cross checks is enough to know what jails they have called home

[lemoncake]

Vetted Visas for Russians might reduce the Mafia effect...or not?

again with the same rubbish

[Star Dust]

I am glad I no longer call Thailand HOME, 2 week visits twice a year is enough for now.

I made the same decision.Leaving this month. I had enough.

[uptheos]

A hint for the police captain. Look to the south for the terrorists that are murdering men, women, children, police and military personnel.

Now you've blown it!!!.

[Katipo]

To do this I would think closer co-operation with foreign intelligence and border control authorities is needed. Some sort of global database that just raises a flag as soon as the person tries to enter. Not easy to implement perhaps, but long term it makes sense. Wouldn't cause any more delays than we already experience too.

[ZhouZhou]

nothing will change. this is just said to make that FBI man feels better.

[lemoncake]

To do this I would think closer co-operation with foreign intelligence and border control authorities is needed. Some sort of global database that just raises a flag as soon as the person tries to enter. Not easy to implement perhaps, but long term it makes sense. Wouldn't cause any more delays than we already experience too.

Such a data base already exists, linking to it or ability to access it is they key. Though not sure if some officers can be trusted to use computer for more than one operation

[Dibbler]

Better enforcement inside the country, and a higher entry and training standards for police recruits might also help to ensure government staff are motivated and willing to enforce laws. If internationally wanted individuals whether they be terrorists or wildlife traffickers feel free to roam the streets without fear of apprehension by the authorities, lax law enforcement is the main reason Thailand has the reputation it has. Interesting who is talking up the need for more stringent law enforcement.

[wxpwzrd]

Should start by checking out the terrorists in their own party first.

[KBAA]

Is Chalerms son on this list ?
Killing a policeman !!!!

Moral is good, double moral is double as good !

[andygunther]

That means even more caustic and queuing ... GOOD LUCK !!

[simple1]

It should have been implemented years ago, tougher visa regulations, ie criminal history checks would be a good start. Perhaps a linked computer to Interpol to cross check as well

Interpol already has online communications in place for all member countries, Thailand being one. Will depend on authorised Thai staff to actually access the system Refer http://www.interpol.int/About-INTERPOL/Priorities

"We run a secure global police communications and support system (known as I-24/7) that connects all 190 National Central Bureaus (NCBs), along with other authorized law enforcement agencies and strategic partners, allowing them to instantly access, request and submit vital data"

Edited April 4, 2013 by simple1