Bangkok remains at risk of attack, more violence

01/07/2010
The Nation/Asia News Network

Certain areas of Bangkok remain at risk of attack or violent incidents and may continue under the state of emergency, Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said yesterday.

The government had not decided whether other security measures, including imposition of the less draconian Internal Security Act, would be put in place should the state of emergency be lifted, he added.

Citing intelligence reports, Suthep said attempts would be made to call public gatherings disguised as charity functions or other social activities, which would turn into anti-government rallies, not long after the state of emergency is lifted.

Asked about speculation that red-shirt leaders were being sheltered by the Cambodian government, and even residing in Prime Minister Hun Sen's residence, Suthep said: "Maybe the media can discuss that openly, but on behalf of the government, I cannot say anything, as it would affect bilateral relations."

Acting police chief Pol General Patheep Tanprasert said the government would meet on July 5 to decide whether the state of emergency should be extended beyond July 7. He said he personally thought it should be retained in Bangkok, but in the provinces it should be in effect on a case-by-case basis in certain areas.

A motorcycle found abandoned not far from an Army fuel depot, which took hits from rocket propelled grenades on Sunday, was yesterday reclaimed by its owner. Muang Nonthaburi police said Chakhrit Wilaiwan produced ownership documents and retrieved the vehicle but they did not offer any details about him.

A fake bomb was placed on Rama II Road near Central Department store yesterday, prompting panic among communities where it was found.

The fake bomb was made of |two pipes filled with sand and a battery with electric wires bound around them - an attempt meant to make it look genuine to cause disruption, police said. The bomb was lying 500 metres from the Central store near an abandoned shophouse.

Police said the site was used frequently by police to set up checkpoints to deter motorcycle racing, and the racers may have made the fake bomb to scare the police.

-The Nation/Asia News Network