US military attaché dismisses FBI’s ranking of Thailand as highly possible terrorist target

BANGKOK, April 5 (TNA) - The US military attaché has denied the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)'s recent report that Thailand appears to be Asia's most likely target for terrorist attacks and the world's fifth. Thai Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat told journalists on Friday of the US military attaché's dismissal of the FBI report, noting that it needs an urgent correction for proper understanding domestically and internationally. Manasvi Srisodapol, Spokesman of the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged that his ministry has already inquired agencies concerned, including the National Security Council (NSC), the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), as well as the US Embassy to Thailand and they have all rejected the FBI’s report. Manasvi, who is also Director-General of the Thai Foreign Ministry's Department of Information, suggested that people need not panic, as there has not been any sign that Thailand is a likely target of terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Police Captain Chalerm Yubamrung told reporters that a special centre will be set up in Thailand to deal with terrorism and terror cases, if any, particularly those with arrest warrants. The deputy prime minister, who oversees national security, said that the newly-set up centre will work separately from the Thai military and will be spearheaded by the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), an independent body; while security measures will also be beefed up at border areas and checkpoints to prevent and counter terrorism. The Thai defence minister then opined that the planned setting up of the new special centre is a normal precaution of security authorities. (TNA)