Terror threat questioned | Bangkok Post: news

News > Local News

Terror threat spurs security alert

US consulate in Chiang Mai under close watch

Published: 12 Feb 2013 at 16.22
Online news: Local News

The government has ordered that security be beefed up for the US consulate in Chiang Mai following intelligence reports of a potential terrorist attack.

Diplomats and senior officials of nations involved in the 32nd annual Cobra Gold war games kicked off the exercise at a ceremony in Chiang Mai last week. (Photo provided by US Embassy)

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung says he has received information that al-Qaeda and Salafist terrorists had planned to launch a three-pronged attack on the US consulate in an operation codenamed "Billiard Ball" in the first half of February.

This article is older than 60 days, which we reserve for our premium members only.You can subscribe to our premium member subscription, here.

Forum

Your comments

sirron
Post : 896
Send message

Discussion 32 : 17 Feb 2013 at 08.0732
Post this to my Facebook
Not necessarily Khun Chalerm,and most likely not, but whoever started this rumor may have wanted the southern terrorists to think the security focus was up north, while the Military really prepared for the largest southern attack in a long while.
Like dislike 1 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
upena
Post : 1,390
Send message

Discussion 31 : 13 Feb 2013 at 18.0731
Post this to my Facebook
Someone needs to investigate Chalerm's motives as there is obviously no terror threat
Like dislike 3 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
pquinlan
Post : 918
Send message

Discussion 30 : 13 Feb 2013 at 10.3230
Post this to my Facebook
D4: Australia "one the most protected borders in the world". I would agree that its airspace is well protected near cities and military sites, but it has huge gaps in monitored airspace in the north and west. As for maritime control - literally thousands of kilometres of coastline patrolled by no more than 2 or 3 patrol vessels at any one time. What is controlled is well controlled. There are vast gaps that are regularly breached by asylum seekers, fishermen, trawlers and, no doubt, drug and weapons dealers. So, is this report feasible? You bet. Is it likely, only those in-the-know know.
Like dislike 5 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
donduck
Post : 121
Send message

Discussion 29 : 13 Feb 2013 at 08.2729
Post this to my Facebook
genii What happened in Benghazi was many, many warnings to US citizens not to visit Benghazi. For example. Look, the biggest problem for Chalerm is when he says a large group of Arabs is planning an armed assault on the US consulate AND says there is no reason for tourists (or residents) in Chiang to worry about this, just continue your trip, life is normal. One of those things is not like the other - and they sure didn't happen in Benghazi.
Like dislike 34 people liked / 3 people disliked this comment
hillfarang
Post : 1,307
Send message

Discussion 28 : 13 Feb 2013 at 08.1928
Post this to my Facebook
A bit of nostalgia: I remember this same place in late 1981... there were no guards and one walked through the open gate across a beautiful lawn into the big room where the That woman employee greeted you while seated on hardwood furniture. The consular official was next door in his office, friendly & helpful... ah... "the good old days...."
Like dislike 36 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Victor
Post : 1,303
Send message

Discussion 27 : 13 Feb 2013 at 08.1127
Post this to my Facebook
Don't tell me that our intelligence is better than the US.
Like dislike 35 people liked / 1 people disliked this comment
robins
Post : 693
Send message

Discussion 26 : 13 Feb 2013 at 08.0626
Post this to my Facebook
Seeing more imaginary terrorists than the American Government is quite an accomplishment.
Like dislike 51 people liked / 2 people disliked this comment
whatajoke
Post : 1,763
Send message

Discussion 25 : 13 Feb 2013 at 07.5125
Post this to my Facebook
Was watching INN news this morning about how police were caught on camera extorting money from a Bangkok retail businessman, Charlerm said, 'it's perfectly normal for police to collect gifts from businessmen because it's a new Year's tradition from Chinese', someone then pointed out the business was run by Indians (a tailor shop).
Like dislike 63 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment
Eric
Post : 1,161
Send message

Discussion 24 : 13 Feb 2013 at 07.4924
Post this to my Facebook
Chiangmai US consulate will sleep better knowing that the Thai security is ahead of the game. Their intelligence have failed before and knowing that their host is better prepared is of great consolation to them.
Like dislike 19 people liked / 17 people disliked this comment
commonman
Post : 211
Send message

Discussion 23 : 13 Feb 2013 at 07.4423
Post this to my Facebook
Sounds like a story to deflect attention for sure. Why the U.S.? Could it be the government's way of sending a message about the impending report on intellectual property violations in Thailand? Would the P.M. go to Chiang Mai if there were verifiable reports of terrorist activity there. Chalerm has already done serious damage to his reputation for veracity and this will be another nail in a coffin that the Shinawatra's won't close. Chalerm might be a liability, but he is an effective flack reflector. This story earns the famous tit.
Like dislike 50 people liked / 0 people disliked this comment

1 2 3 4 Next Last

Terror threat questioned | Bangkok Post: news

Terror threat spurs security alert

US consulate in Chiang Mai under close watch

Most Viewed

26,000 reds recall bloodshed

Forum

Your comments

Sign in once and access every part of the website at your convenience!