Thailand is not in danger of being targeted by al-Qaeda as part of reprisals for the killing of Osama bin Laden by US forces on Monday, Deputy Prime Minister overseeing security Suthep Thaugsuban said.
"We're not the target of any terrorist network, but we'll still have to take precautions, especially along the border areas, as bin Laden's network may plan to smuggle things through our country," Mr Suthep said.He said no special orders had been issued as security-related agencies were already doing their job well.
"There have been no reports that any terrorist group is using Thailand as a through passage," he said.
He was echoing reassurances given earlier today by National Security Council chief Thawil Pliensri, who said Osama bin Laden's death posed no security threat to Thailand.
Mr Thawil said the intelligence agencies of Thailand and other countries in the region have agreed that the insurgents in the far South of Thailand have no connection with either the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) terrorist group or the al-Qaeda group of Osama bin Laden.
Thailand is closely following the situation through the intelligence agencies of friendly countries, particularly Pakistan, and its security units, especially the Royal Thai Police Office, keep a close watch on interests in Thailand affiliated with the United States, he said.
Meanwhile, Pakistan faced a violent backlash over bin Laden's killing, fearing revenge attacks and struggling to fend off tough questions over how the Al-Qaeda mastermind escaped detection so long.
The US has pointed the finger at Pakistan, questioning how he had been able to hide out in a highly visible fortified compound only a short distance from the nation's capital "for an extended period of time".
Pakistan's main Taliban faction reacted angrily to the announced death of the Al-Qaeda number one, promising to "avenge his death and launch attacks against American and Pakistani governments and their security forces".
The US has pointed the finger at Pakistan, questioning how he had been able to hide out in a highly visible fortified compound only a short distance from the nation's capital "for an extended period of time".
Pakistan's main Taliban faction reacted angrily to the announced death of the Al-Qaeda number one, promising to "avenge his death and launch attacks against American and Pakistani governments and their security forces".
Washington has warned US diplomatic offices worldwide to be alert for possible reprisals against US interests.
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