A US embassy warning on possible terrorist threats could threaten peak season tourism in Thailand, warns TTR Weekly.
Thai police recently detained a Lebanese-Swedish citizen, Atris Hussein. He is suspected of having connections with Hezbollah after the US government issued a warning to all US citizens of a possible terrorist threat. The initial warning was issued by both the US and Israeli embassies last week.
The suspect was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport as he was about to board a flight.
Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung confirmed the arrest of the suspected terrorist but the incident triggered at least 11 nations to issue travel warnings on Bangkok advising extreme caution, according to the news site.
The US government issued a warning through its embassy website in Thailand. "Foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks in tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future," the warning said.
US citizens were urged to use caution when visiting public areas where large groups of Western tourists gather in Bangkok, the warning said.
According to media reports, Israeli intelligence had warned the Thai Police just before the Christmas holiday that Bangkok was a target. Israeli tourists often use guest houses in that area.
Government officials said Thailand had no strong evidence to support the theory that an attack was imminent
By David Wilkening
