Watch on suspect groups - IS threat in Thailand 'realistic', say experts

[rooster59]

Watch on suspect groups

WASAMON AUDJARINT,
JEERAPONG PRASERTPOLKRUNG
THE SUNDAY NATION

BANGKOK: Security officials monitoring people amid fear of attack; experts say IS threat 'realistic'

THE authorities are closely monitoring the activities of different groups of suspects with the potential to carry out armed attacks during important festive season events.

National Security Council chief General Thawip Netniyom said yesterday that given recent warnings and reports of an attack plot, the authorities had implemented stricter security measures.

"We have to closely follow the moves of different groups of people who may be collecting weapons and people, as well as those who may be gathering for some action," Thawip said.

"We are watching the suspects but we can't do anything much now without strong evidence," he said.

He urged the public by reporting suspicious activity because "the authorities may not be able to have full control". However, he added the public had no cause to panic.

Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) was working closely with security agencies for strict implementation of security over the festive season.

The focus was major sites in the capital as well as places where foreign tourists frequent and embassies, the homes of ambassadors and international schools, the governor said.

"The BMA will be fully prepared with security measures for Bangkok. We will work round the clock with no holidays," Sukhumbhand said. He spoke after chairing a meeting on security at City Hall.

Government and public officials yesterday attempted to allay concerns following a report that Russia's Federal Security Service told Thai police that a group of 10 Syrians entered the country in late October, possibly to target Russian interests.

Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai questioned the warning, saying that it would only cause fear and did not bode well for the country's tourism sector and economy.

Deputy police spokesman Maj-General Songpol Wattanachai urged the public not to be overly concerned.

Security experts, meanwhile, said there was a possibility Islamic State fighters have entered the country.

Thammasat University Middle East specialist Jaran Maluleem said that Russia was a creditable intelligence source so the information could be true.

Rangsit University security lecturer Wanwichit Boonprong agreed, based on Russia's close surveillance of IS fighters. However, Wanwichit said it would be hard to determine the exact number of IS fighters in the country.

Security specialist Panitan Watthanayagorn said that Russia had notified Thailand of the possible threat but no IS fighters had been located. It was possible they were undercover, he noted.

Jaran said that there would be a 50-50 chance that IS would consider Thailand a safe haven - or a target.

The Muslim specialist said Thailand was a place where criminals hide because it is easier to enter compared with other Asean states, plus it has underground services such as counterfeit passports.

Jaran said that the number of Russians travelling to Thailand and the number of Russian attacks against IS had risen recently. A revenge attack against Russia could occur in Thailand, regardless of the Kingdom never having a direct confrontation with the extremist group, the expert said.

"Unlike its predecessor al-Qaeda, IS does not mainly target the West. Anyone getting in their way could be targets of attacks," Jaran warned.

Wanwichit believed that IS fighters would remain static if they were in the Kingdom. IS had been under a lot of pressure from international troops recently and it would not want to ruin Thailand has a safe hub, he said.

Panitan said that it was hard to determine what the fighters would do, if indeed they were in the country. But he said that it should be remembered that Thailand had occasionally been a terrorism target as evidenced by the recent Ratchaprasong bombing.

"Considering the frequency of terrorism in Thailand, we could say that the Kingdom has not become a permanent target of terrorists," he said. "Still, we must be careful with possible situations."

He suggested that immigration database systems, especially those at borders, could be improved and integrated more with neighbouring countries' systems to obtain well-rounded information on people entering the country. The public should act as lookouts for the authorities in the search for suspicious people, he said.

Jaran said that Thailand must increase its intelligence to counter this possible threat.

He said security personnel should go undercover to avoid alarming the public during this festive time of the year. And the Kingdom should express a neutral stance on the matter to avoid being targeted.

Wanwichit said to deal with the threat, the government should raise the issue more frankly with the public to create a true understanding without leading to a panic that could harm the nation, such as negatively affecting the economy and tourism.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Watch-on-suspect-groups-30274394.html

-- The Nation 2015-12-06

[NongKhaiKid]

The Foreign Minister questioned the warning saying it would only spread fear and did not bode well for the country's tourism sector and economy.

As usual the govt's priority is made perfectly clear, the only thing that matters is money.

[Bluespunk]

Wonder why I am not comforted or feel reassured about safety by these measures?

Edited December 5, 2015 by Bluespunk

[LannaGuy]

but... but... LOS has no IS only 'Happiness'

[rhythmworx]

Offer another reward, so that it can be claimed and paid to self before finding any real evidence.

[Aussieroaming]

Quote

Wanwichit believed that IS fighters would remain static if they were in the Kingdom. IS had been under a lot of pressure from international troops recently and it would not want to ruin Thailand has a safe hub, he said.

What a dumb statement...as long as ISIS behave while they are in Thailand then they have a safe hub for R and R.

[Somtamnication]

Not enough personnel to "watch" these groups. They are all busy watching the unhappy reds.

[lgking]

"Security specialist Panitan Watthanayagorn said that Russia had notified Thailand of the possible threat but no IS fighters had been located. It was possible they were undercover, he noted."

You think...?

[Usernames]

Looks like Thailand's stated policy of "being friends with everybody" is having a little bit of a problem.

[NongKhaiKid]

Quote

Wanwichit believed that IS fighters would remain static if they were in the Kingdom. IS had been under a lot of pressure from international troops recently and it would not want to ruin Thailand has a safe hub, he said.

What a dumb statement...as long as ISIS behave while they are in Thailand then they have a safe hub for R and R.

He lectures on security ?

[Assurancetourix]

Did they will cancel Bike for Dad next december 11th ?

[jaltsc]

"He urged the public by reporting suspicious activity because "the authorities may not be able to have full control". However, he added the public had no cause to panic."

When the authorities have lost control on safety and asks the public to determine what is suspicious activity...That is the time to panic!!!

Then again, if tourism is not affected, Mai Pen Rai. Please ignore all previous warnings.

Edited December 6, 2015 by jaltsc

[chainarong]

Quote

Wanwichit believed that IS fighters would remain static if they were in the Kingdom. IS had been under a lot of pressure from international troops recently and it would not want to ruin Thailand has a safe hub, he said.

What a dumb statement...as long as ISIS behave while they are in Thailand then they have a safe hub for R and R.

Very bad choice of words indeed

[chainarong]

The main cause for concern is who is watching , if we are relying on the RTP to do the work of the FBI or AFP then Thailand is in a hell of a mess , this also might be a good time for the Junta administration to form a specialist group, trained outside to manage these instances, if you have everyone and their mother organising the troops and no one home watching the chooks it just turns into another fiasco then we get the BMA for Christ sake involved , they are not even qualified to solve a jigsaw puzzle , you'd think with all their troubles in the South that this would have been done years ago, instead of relying on the sub - standard RTP........................

[jing jing]

Quote

Wanwichit believed that IS fighters would remain static if they were in the Kingdom. IS had been under a lot of pressure from international troops recently and it would not want to ruin Thailand has a safe hub, he said.

What a dumb statement...as long as ISIS behave while they are in Thailand then they have a safe hub for R and R.

Very bad choice of words indeed

But likely not far from the truth

[dunks]

Fearmongering NONSENSE!!

[barmatt]

Dont get it ? They are monitoring their movements and allowing to move around freely. They are known to them as belonging to a terrorist group then why do they allow them to stay in the country??

[Deez]

"Security specialist Panitan Watthanayagorn said that Russia had notified Thailand of the possible threat but no IS fighters had been located. It was possible they were undercover, he noted."

You think...?

Yes its true. They were not wearing their ISIS uniforms....

[soalbundy]

Dont get it ? They are monitoring their movements and allowing to move around freely. They are known to them as belonging to a terrorist group then why do they allow them to stay in the country??

Yes, rather strange, they can kick out a harmless farang because he made a mistake seasoning his bank deposit but they cant touch suspected terrorists who are a real danger to the country. The immigration authorities have tremendous power why aren't they using it, yellow streaks getting in the way perhaps

[NCC1701A]

but but but yesterday they said:

"The Royal Thai Police assured the public that no Islamic State militants had been found in Thailand following a warning by the Russian Federal Security Service which claimed that ten Syrians linked to Islamic State entered the country in October."

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876248-thai-police-is-militants-not-found-in-thailand/#entry10156962

Edited December 6, 2015 by NCC1701A

[rtco]

"but we can't do anything much now without strong evidence" ... if they are suspected terrorists arrest them! No one will give a damn if there is evidence or not. How many times have people in Thailand been arrested without evidence!!!

[NCC1701A]

"Security specialist Panitan Watthanayagorn said that Russia had notified Thailand of the possible threat but no IS fighters had been located. It was possible they were undercover, he noted."

"Jaran said that Thailand must increase its intelligence to counter this possible threat."

Edited December 6, 2015 by NCC1701A

[Srikcir]

With a continued failed peace initiative suppression of muslims in the Malay-Thai South, the junta is actually endangering national security.

In three of its provinces that were once part of an Islamic caliphate, the population is 95%+ muslim and have for the last 20 years been terrorized by paramilitary and Thai ISOC armed forces. The border between the South and Muslim Malaysia is uncontrolled as Prayut admits. The Thai military treats the South as a conquered land whose people must conform first to Thai soverneignty, culture and tradition.

The Malay-Thai insurgency and the muslim population at large would, therefore, seem to be very vulnerable to Daesh radicalization. Yet, the junta in the face of potential Daesh arrival in Thailand shows no sense of urgency in promoting peace initatives with the Malya-Thai insurgents. It instead continues with its negotiating policy of maintaining complete control over the peace process. In 2014 the Junta promised peace in the South by end of year; then the same for 2015; now predicting peace in 2016.

As it stands now, Daesh does cause terrorists acts in the South and/or throughout the rest of Thailand with muslims recruited from the South, the junta must take responsibility for the results.

[fred Kubasa]

It is rumored that that the potential Isis members are located in a 3 story bright red building next door to police headquarters with a flashing neon sign stating" > ISIS THAI HEADQUARTERS < " !

[Oziex1]

Well they have got one thing right "Amazing Thailand"

If only they could see the image they create with their ludacrous and uncoordinated announcements.

[fobuff]

"We are watching the suspects but we can't do anything much now without strong evidence," he said.

What!!!!!!!! The country is under martial law or 112.... The illegal junta can stop anybody for no reasons at all as they have mutiple times since the coup.... a bunch of crapola...

[zaphod reborn]

It is rumored that that the potential Isis members are located in a 3 story bright red building next door to police headquarters with a flashing neon sign stating" > ISIS THAI HEADQUARTERS < " !

They are complicit in allowing 50,000 Uighurs to be trafficked through Thailand by ISIS, and then a bombing occurs right across the street from the RTP headquarters. Now, they are suddenly alarmed by 10 Syrians? Envelopes will be exchanged and the Syrians will be allowed to freely operate. TIT!

Edited December 6, 2015 by zaphod reborn

[tomacht8]

BANGKOK: Security officials monitoring people amid fear of attack; experts say IS threat 'realistic'

Of course, the threat is real.
Here is a list of the last 30 days:
http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/876360-triple-suicide-bombings-in-chad-kill-at-least-27-police-say/

169 Jihad Attacks in 30 countries with 1455 dead bodys and 1706 critically injured.

Thailand is like all other countries do well here, to take a closer look who's coming into the country.

[micmichd]

No reason to spread fear. Jihadists will kill Farangs or they won't. The risk to die in a traffic accident is still much higher, whether in Farangistan or Thailand.

[MaxLee]

Security officials monitoring people amid fear of attack; experts say IS threat 'realistic'

THE authorities are closely monitoring the activities of different groups of suspects with the potential to carry out armed attacks during important festive season events.

National Security Council chief General Thawip Netniyom said yesterday that given recent warnings and reports of an attack plot, the authorities had implemented stricter security measures.

"We have to closely follow the moves of different groups of people who may be collecting weapons and people, as well as those who may be gathering for some action," Thawip said.

.........

This so called Thai investigation is nothing more than scape goat hunting for innocent victims

"We are watching the suspects but we can't do anything much now without strong evidence," he said."

In other words, you have no clue how to handle the situation