Thai junta denies rumors of ‘imminent attack’

By Arun Saronchai

BANGKOK

Thailand's military government has denied rumors circulating on social media that security forces are preparing for an imminent attack on the capital Bangkok.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was responding Wednesday to a document, seen by Anadolu Agency, which has been shared widely on Thai social media over the past several days and appears to be a national security memo calling all relevant organizations to be on the look out.

"This is an old document from the beginning of October," he said Wednesday.

"Regardless our security forces continue to be vigilant against any threat," he added.

Last month, police had called for extra vigilance in Bangkok after stepping up security following news of a "credible threat" of a suspected bomb plot.

Thailand's national police spokesman Krissana Pattanacharoen confirmed to reporters Wednesday that the memo was “old”, and also added that police presence was still heightened.

Both the police and military have increased their presence in the capital since the passing of Thailand’s highly revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej, whose reign lasted 70 years, on Oct. 13.

In their warnings related to a suspected bomb plot last month, police had not elaborated on who might be planning the attacks, but said the threat came from a "known network of criminals".

In August 2016, a series of deadly bombings hit tourist areas in the country’s south, leaving four people dead and more than 20 wounded.

The ruling junta has ruled out links to an insurgency that has rocked the country’s majority Muslim far south for decades, despite police statements that claim suspects are linked to the insurgency.

In August 2015, a bomb at a Hindu shrine in downtown Bangkok left 20 people dead and more than 120 others injured.

Police have claimed that the explosion -- for which two Uighur men have been charged -- was linked to a gang trafficking people through the region.

In the past, Thai governments have avoided use of the term "terrorism" for fear of the effect it may have on the country's famous tourism industry.

Instead, words such as "sabotage" and "criminal behavior" are utilized.