Troops, police, K9 bomb sniffers deployed to check tourist areas in Bangkok

[Lite Beer]

BANGKOK BLAST
Troops, police, K9 bomb sniffers deployed to check tourist areas in Bangkok

BANGKOK: -- Police and troops backed up with bomb-sniffing dogs were deployed in three teams to check the major tourist destinations in Bangkok Sunday, Police spokesman Pol Lt Gen Prawut Thawornsiri said.

The first team was deployed to check around the Siam Paragon shopping mall, Ratchaprasong Area and Siam area in a measure to restore foreign tourists’ confidence following the Erawan shrine blast on August 17.

Two other teams were dispatched to check Asiatique, Chatuchak Park and the Grand Palace.

Prawut said police would also seek cooperation from department stores to install more security cameras by adding more cameras on the eye-level.

He said the Erawan shrine bomb attacker apparently hid his face from CCTVs by looking down because the cameras were installed from bird-eye level.

Prawut added that police are still investigating whether a man in blue shirt was the attacker in the Sathorn bridge blast nor not. More details would be needed to confirm whether he was the suspect.

The spokesman added that the investigation into the Erawan shrine attack had progressed a lot but police could not yet give details about the probe.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingnews/Troops-police-K9-bomb-sniffers-deployed-to-check-t-30267226.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-23

[coulson]

A little late for that. At least they admit it's just an act to restore confidence.....

[Lite Beer]

Over 1,000 security officials sent out to BKK tourist spots

BANGKOK, 23 August 2015 (NNT) – The National Police Chief has dispatched more than 1,000 security officials to tourist areas across Bangkok as part of the Royal Thai Police’s anti-crime campaign.

The team consisting of metropolitan police, military personnel and volunteers, are patrolling places frequented by foreigners, such as shopping centers, pubs, restaurant zones and guesthouse districts.

The National Police Chief Somyot Pumpanmuang, says the operation is a psychological tactic aimed at deterring criminals. The move is expected to bolster confidence among the general public and tourists.

Security across the capital city has been particularly tight after the popular tourist district Ratchaprasong was rocked by a bomb blast, which killed at least 22 and injured scores.

-- NNT 2015-08-23

[EnglishJohn]

I wonder if anyone in the media has the courage to ask Prayuth if he intends to use the GT200 bomb detectors to check the tourists.

[user82374298374]

Why do they need bomb-sniffing dogs, when they have the fabulous GT200?

For those who don't remember the GT200, more info here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GT200#Thailand_2

[Lite Beer]

Police launches city-wide crime crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Over 1,300 policemen were deployed in a pre-dawn searches of “high risk” areas in Bangkok which are suspected to be the hideouts of the Ratchaprasong bombing suspects and other suspected criminal elements.

The national police chief, Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, presided over the launch of the police operation which involved a total of 1,339 policemen, including the Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit, the police sniffer dogs and members of the police commando units.

Before the launch of the operation Pol Gen Somyot told the officers that, after the August 17 bombing incidents at Ratchaprasong intersection and Sathorn pier, the government realized that it was necessary to boost public confidence in the agencies responsible for peace keeping and public safety.

In the meantime, he said that tourists need to be reassured that they can feel safe while staying or travelling in Thailand.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/police-launches-city-wide-crime-crackdown

-- Thai PBS 2015-08-23

[simon43]

In the meantime, he said that tourists need to be reassured that they can feel safe while staying or travelling in Thailand.

Hmm, the recent (and not so recent) bombings seem to suggest otherwise

[zaphod reborn]

"Over 1,300 policemen were deployed in a pre-dawn searches of “high risk” areas in Bangkok which are suspected to be the hideouts of the Ratchaprasong bombing suspects and other suspected criminal elements."

I thought they now think the bombing suspect already fled Thailand.

[harada]

In the meantime, he said that tourists need to be reassured that they can feel safe while staying or travelling in Thailand.

Hmm, the recent (and not so recent) bombings seem to suggest otherwise

The Australian Prime Minister has also assured everyone that it's all jolly,jolly good in Thailand, don't worry about the bombs.

[ikurauni]

It is said that the sketch has been circulated internationally however we have not heard that someone said about this suspect. No one has seen this man before or after. He might have a completely different appearance and no one can notice him. By 9:00 pm on that day, he could be at the airport and left the country.

Where the man took the Tuk Tuk from and where the man went by the motorcycle taxi are big discoveries for the police so far. It is very embarrassing that the police could not organize properly to hunt the man during the first 2-3 hours of the most critical period after the attack. Instead, the police said that if the suspect had enough money, he could leave the country. They admitted that criminals can buy freedom in Thailand.

I love Thailand but this third world country is a county of corruption. It looks like it will remain the same as long as those poorly educated people continue to operate the duties.

I really feel sorry for the victims and the friends and families of the victims. I wish the best of luck for searching the suspect.

[taony]

1,339 police on a pre-dawn PR blitz doesn't make me feel safer.

Edited August 23, 2015 by taony

[slapout]

1000 security officials sent out. Volunteers, how many was that again? I suspose the volunteers are first of all trained in law enforcement, laws of Thailand and rights of the public foreign and local. I notice there are a lot of people inpersonating police, uniform and all to benifet themselves lately.. Of course.I am always confused at the number of people in photo shots of captured crimanils whose dress, looks, etc make them look the same as those to be charged wirith crimes.

Of this 1000 are they armed with live ammo in the chamber or under the hammer. Sure hope they are not checking bars where free booze is part of the BIB tea money.

Its approaching the point that the private sector may be safer forming moo ban patrols of the local residents, armed with caset stingle baseball bats. I keep one in my bedroom and another one by the front door. the dogs are good noise makers for any straner including vehicles. I would not depend on BIB timely response and if they feel I acted too harshly against a tresspaser or someone not welcome on my proprty, thats not my problem. but theirs to prove.

[Thian]

Bomb sniffing dogs in Thailand? Do they have trained Beagles like on other airports abroad? I 've only seen german sheppards at Suvarnabhumi and i have no idea if they listen well. I mean very well like farangdogs can do. I have never seen a Thai dog listen to it's owner at all.

Also i still have to think about the security guard at Don Muang who had an ancient gun like Lucky Luke, with 5 (or 6?) bullets in a round chamber like in 1960.

When i walked into the skytrain at Changi airport i looked in the barrels of 3 huge machineguns when their soldiers/security came out of that train.

But yes it's good that the General does whatever he can.

Edited August 23, 2015 by Thian

[webfact]

BANGKOK BLAST
Police scouring Bangkok guesthouses for bomber
The Nation, Agencies



Checking places popular among foreigners; Indonesian probe of MIT Islamic state link

BANGKOK: -- SECURITY officials are checking guesthouses, apartments and places popular among foreigners in their bid to catch the suspected bomber behind the deadly Erawan Shrine blast.

The blast killed 20 people and injured more than 100 last Monday.

"There are more than 10,000 places in Bangkok that we have to inspect and search," Metropolitan Police chief Lt-General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said. "We may also need to repeat searches at some places." Srivara said investigators had interviewed more than 10 witnesses and planned to interview all survivors of the blast.

Asked about Japanese media reports that the suspected bomber was a Spanish man, Srivara said he had not yet seen those reports.

No arrest has been made yet in connection with the blast, described as the worst ever attack on Thai soil.

National police chief Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday that all relevant officials had been working hard to solve this case. "We have had a clear focus. It's just that we can't disclose details at this time," he said.

He said the delay in the investigation was related to the lack of modern equipment, not the ability of officials.

Somyot spoke after he oversaw the start of the "Searching the city to crack down on criminals' dens " operation yesterday morning. Participating in the Bangkok-based operation were police, soldiers and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration police.

The operation was aimed at restoring local residents' and tourists' confidence in the wake of the blasts, he said. Asked if police knew who was behind the shrine attack, Somyot said, "We have had some information. Some of those involved are still in Thailand."

But he refused to say if the suspects were Thais or foreigners.

Security footage showed a man in a yellow-shirt, who did not look Thai, walking into the Erawan Shrine with a backpack just before 7pm on August 17 and leaving without it a few minutes later. The blast occurred shortly after he walked out. He was last seen getting onto a motorcycle taxi.

An informed source revealed yesterday that investigators had already summoned 15 taxi drivers for questioning to determine if any had given a ride to the suspected bomber on that day. "He's also seen getting into a taxi but grainy footage makes it hard to identify the licence plate number."

In regard to a second bomb that exploded harmlessly near Sathorn Pier the following day, August 18, spokesman Pol Lt General Prawut Thavornsiri said police were investigating whether a man in a blue shirt had carried the bomb to that spot.

Bomber 'was an Asian'

The man in the blue-shirt was caught on CCTV and that video clip has also circulated widely, but not officially. "Our preliminary check suggests this man was an Asian," Prawut said. "He did not use the same route as the yellow-shirt man [responsible for the blast at the Erawan Shrine]".

Meanwhile, Indonesian police are currently looking into whether the East Indonesian Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group had links to the Erawan Shrine bombing, the Jakarta Post has reported. The Post said Kompass online quoted Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as saying that MIT, a terrorist group in Poso, central Sulawesi, was being targeted. "We are currently pursuing [MIT]. I have received reports about their movements," said Luhut, with his reports having come from the National Police chief General Badrodin Haiti, according to the Post.

Up to 140 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers from Kelapa Dua in Depok had been flown to Poso to assist with the operation. The terror group is said to have 30 to 40 members.

"If we don't act, they can mobilise more power from various places, including weapons," Badrodin was quoted as saying.

There has been some speculation that the Islamic State (IS) was behind the Bangkok bomb blast, and in Indonesia, the IS movement is allegedly supported by the MIT, which is led by Santoso.

In Thailand, a National Council for Peace and Order spokesman said two rumour-mongers had been arrested for allegedly causing public confusion, one in Bangkok and the other in Ayutthaya province.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Police-scouring-Bangkok-guesthouses-for-bomber-30267275.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-24

[ksamuiguy]

Use one of Thaulands greatses sesources, Soi Dogs.

Most sniffer dogs come from ponds, rescue orgs.

Train them here, it can be done, we have the resources localy.

They are also great at calming unruly situations, they reasure people.

They just need to figure out how to get them to ride on a motorcycle.

Police side cars.

[noitom]

The Thais are making a circus out of this. What happened to the Thai taxi driver who said that he gave the guy more than ten rides and surely identified him? What were the taxi's drop off locations? Have the Thais "scoured" the pickup and drop off locations?

[Pattaya28]

Police scouring Bangkok guesthouses for bomber, yet the pic shows scouring a bin

[MaxLee]

Police launches city-wide crime crackdown

BANGKOK: -- Over 1,300 policemen were deployed in a pre-dawn searches of high risk areas in Bangkok which are suspected to be the hideouts of the Ratchaprasong bombing suspects and other suspected criminal elements.

The national police chief, Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, presided over the launch of the police operation which involved a total of 1,339 policemen, including the Explosives Ordnance Disposal unit, the police sniffer dogs and members of the police commando units.

Before the launch of the operation Pol Gen Somyot told the officers that, after the August 17 bombing incidents at Ratchaprasong intersection and Sathorn pier, the government realized that it was necessary to boost public confidence in the agencies responsible for peace keeping and public safety.

In the meantime, he said that tourists need to be reassured that they can feel safe while staying or travelling in Thailand.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/police-launches-city-wide-crime-crackdown

-- Thai PBS 2015-08-23

Major traffic jams coming ahead,....

[arrowsdawdle]

A little late for that. At least they admit it's just an act to restore confidence.....

Like those divining rod quasi bomb detectors the military spent all that money on?

[arrowsdawdle]

Use one of Thaulands greatses sesources, Soi Dogs.

Most sniffer dogs come from ponds, rescue orgs.

Train them here, it can be done, we have the resources localy.

They are also great at calming unruly situations, they reasure people.

They just need to figure out how to get them to ride on a motorcycle.

Police side cars.

Because 9 out of 10 Thai citizens are packing heat, many of them elites, and the dogs would be alerting on them causing them to lose face resulting in defamation lawsuits.

[NongKhaiKid]

Police scouring Bangkok guesthouses for bomber, yet the pic shows scouring a bin

I thought this area had been swept ' clean ' by forensic examination, hosed down and concreted over and now they're back looking for ' clues ' or suspects hiding in ... bins ?

Oscar The Grouch ?

Edited August 24, 2015 by NongKhaiKid

[arrowsdawdle]

OP - "....boost public confidence in the agencies responsible for peace keeping and public safety"

Does that mean more tourists peeing in public for BIB sidewalk urine tests?

[nev]

Instead of spending money on Submarines how about spending on security camera's and other surveillance and paying for a better police force and remove those at the top who have paid their way to the position they are in.

[razer]

Mounted on horses and an army of motorbikes? Is this for real? Truly a brain fk.

[taony]

The saddest part is they did that to impress people.

[Srikcir]

"two rumour-mongers had been arrested for allegedly causing public confusion"

Sadly, that's the best the police can accomplish, discounting the fact that it has been the police who have been the main source for rumors, misstatements and unsubstantiated conclusions.

Prayut should sack the entire Royal Thai police leadership for "causing public confusion" and disgracing Prayut's administrations fine efforts to reform Thailand's justice system over the bombing event. Or better, Prayut should resign.

[Nicolas32]

BANGKOK BLAST

Police scouring Bangkok guesthouses for bomber

The Nation, Agencies

Checking places popular among foreigners; Indonesian probe of MIT Islamic state link

BANGKOK: -- SECURITY officials are checking guesthouses, apartments and places popular among foreigners in their bid to catch the suspected bomber behind the deadly Erawan Shrine blast.

The blast killed 20 people and injured more than 100 last Monday.

"There are more than 10,000 places in Bangkok that we have to inspect and search," Metropolitan Police chief Lt-General Srivara Ransibrahmanakul said. "We may also need to repeat searches at some places." Srivara said investigators had interviewed more than 10 witnesses and planned to interview all survivors of the blast.

Asked about Japanese media reports that the suspected bomber was a Spanish man, Srivara said he had not yet seen those reports.

No arrest has been made yet in connection with the blast, described as the worst ever attack on Thai soil.

National police chief Somyot Poompanmuang said yesterday that all relevant officials had been working hard to solve this case. "We have had a clear focus. It's just that we can't disclose details at this time," he said.

He said the delay in the investigation was related to the lack of modern equipment, not the ability of officials.

Somyot spoke after he oversaw the start of the "Searching the city to crack down on criminals' dens " operation yesterday morning. Participating in the Bangkok-based operation were police, soldiers and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration police.

The operation was aimed at restoring local residents' and tourists' confidence in the wake of the blasts, he said. Asked if police knew who was behind the shrine attack, Somyot said, "We have had some information. Some of those involved are still in Thailand."

But he refused to say if the suspects were Thais or foreigners.

Security footage showed a man in a yellow-shirt, who did not look Thai, walking into the Erawan Shrine with a backpack just before 7pm on August 17 and leaving without it a few minutes later. The blast occurred shortly after he walked out. He was last seen getting onto a motorcycle taxi.

An informed source revealed yesterday that investigators had already summoned 15 taxi drivers for questioning to determine if any had given a ride to the suspected bomber on that day. "He's also seen getting into a taxi but grainy footage makes it hard to identify the licence plate number."

In regard to a second bomb that exploded harmlessly near Sathorn Pier the following day, August 18, spokesman Pol Lt General Prawut Thavornsiri said police were investigating whether a man in a blue shirt had carried the bomb to that spot.

Bomber 'was an Asian'

The man in the blue-shirt was caught on CCTV and that video clip has also circulated widely, but not officially. "Our preliminary check suggests this man was an Asian," Prawut said. "He did not use the same route as the yellow-shirt man [responsible for the blast at the Erawan Shrine]".

Meanwhile, Indonesian police are currently looking into whether the East Indonesian Mujahidin (MIT) terrorist group had links to the Erawan Shrine bombing, the Jakarta Post has reported. The Post said Kompass online quoted Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan as saying that MIT, a terrorist group in Poso, central Sulawesi, was being targeted. "We are currently pursuing [MIT]. I have received reports about their movements," said Luhut, with his reports having come from the National Police chief General Badrodin Haiti, according to the Post.

Up to 140 Mobile Brigade (Brimob) officers from Kelapa Dua in Depok had been flown to Poso to assist with the operation. The terror group is said to have 30 to 40 members.

"If we don't act, they can mobilise more power from various places, including weapons," Badrodin was quoted as saying.

There has been some speculation that the Islamic State (IS) was behind the Bangkok bomb blast, and in Indonesia, the IS movement is allegedly supported by the MIT, which is led by Santoso.

In Thailand, a National Council for Peace and Order spokesman said two rumour-mongers had been arrested for allegedly causing public confusion, one in Bangkok and the other in Ayutthaya province.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Police-scouring-Bangkok-guesthouses-for-bomber-30267275.html

-- The Nation 2015-08-24

There goes the element of surprise

[dannyman]

What a embarrassment !

[idiot farang]

ya gotta give them credit- they put them on horseback to alleviate any doubt whatsoever that this is circus.

[coulson]

''two rumour-mongers had been arrested for allegedly causing public confusion''

Arrested for causing confusion? 555..........I know a few more guilty of that.