PM Prayut orders tighter screenings of tourists after US terrorism warning

[webfact]

PM orders tighter screenings of tourists after US terrorism warning

BANGKOK, 24 February 2016 (NNT) - Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha has instructed a security unit to screen tourist arrivals rigorously, following U.S. warnings of possible terrorism in Asia.

The Prime Minister has told members of the security unit to exercise additional screening measures at airports, bus stations, and other venues frequented by tourists. Gen Prayut said it is important for Thailand to be prepared for any eventuality.

In addition, the government has reached out to other countries in the region for cooperation to establish a counter-terrorism security network. The Premier has encouraged the public to report any unusual activities or suspicious individuals to the authorities.

Gen Thaweep Netrniyom, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), said the U.S. warnings were meant to encourage Asia to be prepared, rather than alarmed.

According to the NSC Secretary-General, there has been no indication that members of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group have arrived in Thailand.


-- NNT 2016-02-24

[khwaibah]

The authorities can raid more bars in Chiang Mai. http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/896174-major-police-activity-at-zoe-area-tonight/

[dageurreotype]

The Prime Minister has told members of the security unit to exercise additional screening measures at airports, bus stations, and other venues frequented by tourists. Gen Prayut said it is important for Thailand to be prepared for any eventuality.

He means the other brown skinned ones.

[Caveat Emptor]

I've lost count of the amount of calls for tighter screening that have been made recently so every new call must be indicating it's all still inadequate or more likely it's the right thing to say to make it look as if something is actually being done.

[worgeordie]

Next step stop tourists altogether ,or maybe the tourists will stop coming on

their own accord,due to too many hassles

regards Worgeordie

[Hawk]

The government are clamping down on tourists not terrorists. I would presume all terrorists like to remain securely hidden, away from bars etc. Searching bars for foreigners with no passports is serving what purpose? The Thai government is now doing its best to bite the hand that feeds it.

[daiwill60]

Obviously searching bars etc for tourists is not only a money spinner but in all fairness is also a chance to catch the odd dodgy terrorist without proper paper work at best, but could also be a chance to hit the big bingo payout if said terrorist has a big wallet and a large brown envelope .

[Bobobirdiebuddy]

Keep those evil bridge players at bay.

[MichaelJohn]

I remain amazed at the complete lack of security at BTS stations and shopping Malls.

Yes, they have the essential security guard to provide the pretense of security checks but I never have my bags checked or even looked at, they wave me through without a care in the world.

Often the security guard is so busy on his/her phone that they don't even look up from the game their playing; that's assuming they're awake!!

It would be so easy for anyone to take a bomb to any venue in Bangkok and make world headlines :-(

[Prbkk]

IE, the warning the Americans deny having given.

[NongKhaiKid]

I've lost count of the amount of calls for tighter screening that have been made recently so every new call must be indicating it's all still inadequate or more likely it's the right thing to say to make it look as if something is actually being done.

There was an assurance of extra security in tourist areas over the festive season.

I was in Pattaya for a week over the New Year period and the only BIB I saw was a shift change at the police station. Military personnel, absolutely none !

[Pib]

Maybe "Tighter Screenings" is the new buzz words to replace the worn out "Crackdown" word.

[excalibur2000]

According to the NSC Secretary-General, there has been no indication that members of the Islamic State (IS) extremist group have arrived in Thailand _____________________

what about the 5? so called terror suspects that they were searching for did they find them ?

[Just1Voice]

IE, the warning the Americans deny having given.

Exactly! There was an article in the news this morning in which the U.S. clearly stated that they have given NO SUCH WARNING to Thai officials.

[Jessi]

Maybe "Tighter Screenings" is the new buzz words to replace the worn out "Crackdown" word.

Thailand, the HUB of buzzwords and crack ups.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Maybe "Tighter Screenings" is the new buzz words to replace the worn out "Crackdown" word.

All the terrorists prefer koh tao...

[Hawk]

Obviously searching bars etc for tourists is not only a money spinner but in all fairness is also a chance to catch the odd dodgy terrorist without proper paper work at best, but could also be a chance to hit the big bingo payout if said terrorist has a big wallet and a large brown envelope .

Very, very few overstayers pay a bribe when caught, so obviously not a money spinner! And how many terrorists have been arrested in bars? How many terrorists are travelling around with no paperwork?

[Asiantravel]

The government are clamping down on tourists not terrorists. I would presume all terrorists like to remain securely hidden, away from bars etc. Searching bars for foreigners with no passports is serving what purpose? The Thai government is now doing its best to bite the hand that feeds it.

are there any Asian looking people involved in ISIS? What if they come disguised as Chinese tourists who just sit on buses and get whisked around everywhere ?

[klauskunkel]

Gen Thaweep Netrniyom, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), said the U.S. warnings were meant to encourage Asia to be prepared, rather than alarmed.

Is that what the U.S. told you, or is that what you cooked up in a remote part of your brain?

[Lupatria]

IE, the warning the Americans deny having given.

One day there was a warning the next day there was none- then it appears again

I read something about a warning targeting those providing "inaccurate reporting". Now I'm happy to learn this does not apply to all but foreign journalists only.

[platofrank]

IE, the warning the Americans deny having given.

Exactly! There was an article in the news this morning in which the U.S. clearly stated that they have given NO SUCH WARNING to Thai officials.

Could you specify 'where and when' in the news.... If this is true i won't be surprised

Its only used as a legitimation of further repression

[Jimbo2014]

That would be the US security alert given to Malaysia only right? I guess it gives a good excuse to shake down a few more elderly bridge sessions and keep tight military rule for a few more decades

[Mot Dang]

Some how I don't think they are very good at profiling (and don't tell me other countries DON'T do it), all us falang look the same don't we ?

[Jim walker]

no need to worry or to do anything just now until after the bomb or shooting has taken place then its time to spring into action against terrorists and round them all up and if guilty give them half a harsh sentence.

[Mot Dang]

I remain amazed at the complete lack of security at BTS stations and shopping Malls.

Yes, they have the essential security guard to provide the pretense of security checks but I never have my bags checked or even looked at, they wave me through without a care in the world.

Often the security guard is so busy on his/her phone that they don't even look up from the game their playing; that's assuming they're awake!!

It would be so easy for anyone to take a bomb to any venue in Bangkok and make world headlines :-(

The security guys in Pattaya Central and BKK's new Emporium are bored s***less, half the time they look like Borg on recharge mode.

Captain Picard: " ... they will only react if they perceive us to be a threat ... no quick movements "

[SOUTHERNSTAR]

Yes make the life of tourist more difficult while anyone can walk across many Thai borders without paper work.

[Khon Kaen Dave]

There is no indication of terrorist activity in ThailandThe 3000 people that breezed through immigration at the airport electrics went down are of no concern because they all came with tourist company'sThailand is now tourist safe Don't worry,you don't have to carry your original passports everywhere with you The bomb in Bangkok was definitely not the works of terrorists.Ferangs do not understand Thai Everything is going to be ok!we have found a cure for Ebola . Ive written a new song for the happiness of the people I urge all people to report suspicious people.

Need i go on ?

[hawker9000]

"...report any unusual activities or suspicious individuals to the authorities."

'Sounds like a surefire way to get a defamation charge filed against you.

[hottrader77]

Keep those evil bridge players at bay.

Think they should cancel songkran this year as people running around with water guns will not help !

[sawadee1947]

Hmmmh, why not close the borders...or don't let any foreigner into the country......only out......