The government has tightened security in public spaces across the capital, as officials attempted to play down fears that violent attacks will target up to 100 locations Sunday.
One of the suspects in the Criminal Court grenade attack last week alleged that a wave of attacks would be unleashed today across Bangkok.
National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) spokesman Winthai Suwaree said the suspect’s statement held no weight, adding that intelligence from security agencies had not uncovered any irregular activities.
But security officials were deployed to public areas across the capital, particularly train stations and bus terminals, on Saturday.
Col Winthai said the relevant authorities were doing their best to keep the public safe in the face of threats.
“Let me assure you that the police and the military are monitoring the situation closely,” he said.
“Security measures may be adjusted or intensified as required.
"Searches of vehicles and personal belongings may be increased as the authorities see fit.”
He added that key locations were being monitored by uniformed and plainclothes officers.
Yutthana Yenpinyo, the suspect accused of throwing the RDG-5 grenade into the Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court compound on March 7, told police that his group communicated via the Line messaging application and had discussed a plot to bomb at least 100 places.
A source close to security authorities said the military and police had investigated the suspect's claims, but no suspicious activities had been detected.
Security was being stepped up at key locations and crowded places such as shopping malls, MRT and BTS stations to be on the safe side, said the source.
No extra personnel were being deployed, the source said, but the authorities would focus on increased patrols, intensive searches and mobile checkpoints.
Col Winthai confirmed there was so far no evidence to link a former senior military officer and an ex-police officer to the grenade attack at the Criminal Court.
He said the suspects in the grenade attack had connections to other known groups, but no intelligence suggested those groups had anything to do with the two retired officers.
The two men have been thrust into the spotlight following a leak which revealed police had found their names on the phone of a suspect in the grenade attack.
Both men have strongly denied any involvement.
According to police reports, former army chief Chaisit Shinawatra and the ex-metropolitan police chief Kamronwit Thoopkrachang were implicated by a suspect in the alleged plot.
Gen Chaisit is the cousin of former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.
Gen Chaisit and Pol Lt Gen Kamronwit strongly deny the allegations.
Col Winthai’s remarks came as police yesterday asked the Military Court to approve warrants for the arrest of five other suspects in connection with March 7 grenade attack.
Pol Col Chayut Marayat, deputy commander of Metropolitan Police Bureau Division 6, said the five — who are yet to be identified publicly — were wanted on charges of terrorism and masterminding the March 7 attack. The court approved the request.
He declined to discuss details of the suspects, saying the total number of people facing arrest warrants now stood at 14.
The Military Court yesterday approved a 12-day detention extension for the four suspects arrested in the grenade attack.
The four suspects are Mahahin Khunthong, who allegedly drove the motorcycle; Mr Yutthana, and their wives — Nattapat Onming and Thachapan Pokkhrong — who are accused of colluding in the attack.
Police claimed they needed more time to question another 15 witnesses, examine firearms seized during the arrests and look into the criminal records of the suspects.
The four have been charged with attempted murder, causing an explosion that could harm people or damage property, and possessing war weapons.