US warns of Bangkok terrorist threat

[dipsydoodle]

The US embassy in Bangkok has warned of a possible terrorist threat against tourists in the Thai capital, urging its citizens to exercise caution in areas popular with foreigners.

"Foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future," it said in an emergency message posted on its website.

"US citizens are urged to exercise caution when visiting public areas where large groups of Western tourists gather in Bangkok," it added.

The Thai government said it had been informed by the US that a pair of suspected Muslim "terrorists" had entered the kingdom.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-01-13/us-warns-of-bangkok-terrorist-threat/3772270

[maddezmom]

1. Thai police question Lebanese amid US warning of possible terror attack in Bangkok

By Associated Press, Updated: Friday, January 13, 6:57 AM

BANGKOK — Thai police were on Friday questioning a Lebanese man with alleged links to Hezbollah militants as the U.S. Embassy warned of a “real and credible” threat of a terrorist attack against American citizens in Bangkok.

The warning comes during a period of heightened tension over U.S. and Israeli responses to the prospect that Iran is going forward with developing nuclear weapons. Lebanon-based Hezbollah, which has been accused of carrying out terrorist attacks in the Middle East since the 1980s, is avowedly anti-Israel and widely considered to act as a proxy for Iran.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said Thai authorities received a tip-off before New Year’s of a planned attack, which was said to target Israelis.

“At first we were told the Palestinians were behind it but it turned out to be the Hezbollah,” he told The Associated Press. He did not say who provided the tip-off.

more:http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia-pacific/us-embassy-warns-of-terror-threat-in-bangkok-urges-caution-in-public-areas/2012/01/13/gIQARr9TvP_story.html