US warns: Terrorist threat to Bangkok

US warns: Terrorist threat to Bangkok

United States authorities had informed the Thai government that two suspected Muslim terrorists had entered Thailand, Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa said after the US embassy on Friday alerted its citizens to possible terrorist attacks in Bangkok.

"The US contacted us last night about two terrorists who had entered Thailand and plan terrorist activities," Defence Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapha told reporters.

"Our intelligence officials are working closely with the US and following the terrorists' movements closely. I believe we will arrest them tonight," he added.

"For Thai citizens, there is no need to announce any warning because it will cause panic and will affect tourism."

The US embassy said in a messaged posted on its website on today that "foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future."

"US citizens are urged to exercise caution when visiting public areas where large groups of Western tourists gather in Bangkok," it said.

The embassy's travel warning urged its nationals to stay alert when going out and to report any suspicious objects or activities to authorities.

"This message alerts US citizens in Thailand that foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future. US citizens are urged to exercise caution when visiting public areas where large groups of Western tourists gather in Bangkok.," it said.

"We also encourage you to keep a low profile in public areas, particularly areas frequented by foreign tourists."

~News courtesy of Bangkok Post~