Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon has instructed all security agencies to strengthen border protection and safety in the wake of the devastating terror attacks in France.
Gen Prawit chaired a meeting mONDAY between security and intelligence agencies that centred on how to boost security in Thailand and safeguard the population from extremist threats following the the Islamic State (IS) strikes that rocked France on Friday night.
Security measures have been heightened along all borders, particularly with Malaysia, as the government had earlier received reports of suspects in Malaysia with possible ties to the IS, Gen Prawit said.
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Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has called for all members of the public to be on the lookout for any signs of threats to national security and promptly alert authorities if they suspect they have seen something unusual.
The Paris attacks have caused another fall in the value of the baht.
"The truth is the risk is now everywhere and no country in this world is considered totally safe," he said.
Meanwhile, Singapore Defence Minister Ng Eng Hen met Gen Prayut Monday to discuss security risks in a regional context.
The two agreed Southeast Asia has to focus more on its security after the Paris terror attacks, said deputy government spokesman Werachon Sukondhapatipak.
National police chief Chakthip Chaijinda said Thailand has never faced an IS threat. Nevertheless, he said he has instructed special forces units in every provincial police region to train intensively to prepare for the unexpected.
Pol Gen Chakthip ordered immigration officers to step up the screening of people arriving and departing from Thailand at all airports and natural border passes.
Also on Monday, the Central Investigation Bureau held a meeting of its 11 divisions to update its database on transnational criminal rings in Thailand.
The Crime Suppression Division (CSD), one of the 11 divisions, was made the centre for dealing with transnational criminal cases in Thailand five years ago. All divisions have been asked to send any relevant information to the CSD.
Fortune Town mall area (left) is decked out in the French tri-colour, while the Baiyoke Tower at Pratunam has the French flag and "Pray for Paris" revolving above its top-floor restaurant. (Photos by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)