Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban has calmed fears of terrorist reprisals in Thailand following the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, saying the kingdom is not among the confirmed targets of Islamic militants.
However, while Thailand itself may not be a target, there are a number of US interests here, as well as those of US allies, and some Middle Eastern interests and communities. Security will be ramped up in these areas.
Mr Suthep has told security forces to be vigilant at border crossings to ensure no al-Qaeda members enter the country.
Several embassies, consulates and residences of prominent diplomats are considered prime targets requiring special protection.
The Metropolitan Police Bureau, the Central Investigation Bureau and the Border Patrol Police Bureau have been instructed by police chief Wichean Potephosree to tighten security at high-rise buildings within a 300-metre radius of these locations.
Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Jakthip Chaijinda yesterday said he had sent out a letter to instruct all concerned units of the city police to step up security measures at places seen as possible targets.
The US embassy in Bangkok, the residence of the US ambassador to Thailand, American communities, and other places symbolic of the US, such as fast food chains, are among the places where security will be strengthened following the death of bin Laden.
Other places to receive special security measures will include those related to countries in the Middle East, such as the residences of Middle Eastern ambassadors to Thailand.
Security measures will also be increased in Middle Eastern expat communities such as in the Nana, Bang Rak and Khao San Road areas.
The police's intelligence unit will also closely monitor the movements of several groups that might react to the death of bin Laden, the city police chief's letter said.
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said he believed bin Laden's death did not mean the war on terror is over.
"We've got to be careful because terrorist movements still exist in the world and their activities have been carried out in every region," he said.
But National Security Council secretary general Thawil Pliensri believes the death of bin Laden would not cause the unrest in Thailand's deep South to escalate, as the insurgents' movement there is not connected to bin Laden's network.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) said airlines have not been advised to change existing procedures as a result of bin Laden's death.
"Security is a top priority for airlines and the aviation community. There are established procedures in place for airport security to deal with various risk levels," said Albert Tjoeng, IATA spokesman for Asia Pacific.
Abdulasis Tadein, an adviser to the Young Muslim Association of Thailand, said the sea burial of bin Laden's corpse was not a typical Islamic procedure."That the US stated that religious rites were given and then his body was buried at the sea was absolutely not something the US should have done, as it was not in line with religious principles," Mr Abdulasis said.
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