A street in Bangkok, Thailand (Source: time.com)
Bangkok (VNA) – Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) told Thai authorities that 10 militants linked to the Islamic State (IS) entered Thailand to attack citizens, interests of Russia and allied countries fighting IS, Thai police and media said on December 4.
Matichon Online, INN and Channel 3 quoted a document allegedly released by Pol Maj Gen Sravuth Kanpanich, Acting Commissioner of the Special Branch as stating that the Syrians entered Thailand between October 15 and 31.
Of them, four went to Pattaya, two to the tourist island of Phuket, two to Bangkok and the final pair to an unknown destination, the document said.
The document said the Syrians aim to create dangerous incidents to hinder relations between Thailand and Russia.
The FSB’s intelligence was sent to Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC), which then asked the Special Branch to keep a close watch on all activities of the Syrian nationals.
The NSC also instructed tightened security at Russian embassies and allied countries like the US, France, the UK, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Australia.
The Russian Embassy in Thailand has yet to comment on the information.
Lieutenant General Sanit Mahathavorn, Bangkok Metropolitan Police Chief, said the threat has not been clarified yet. He added that Thai authorities told the public to stay calm.
According to the Special Branch, 400 Syrian nationals entered the country during the past several months with tourist visas.
Thailand is an attractive tourist destination for Russian arrivals, especially during Christmas and the New Year.-VNA
