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Thai beach resorts on terror alert
BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand has stepped up security at international schools, Western-run businesses and tourist areas including beach resorts such as Pattaya, Phuket and Koh Samui after intelligence reports warned of possible suicide bombings in the region. Police are also on high alert at the U.S., British and Australian embassies in the capital Bangkok, the second heightening of security this week, Australian Broadcasting Corp said in a radio report on Tuesday. But Australia's foreign affairs department has downplayed any terrorism threat. "Neither the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) or our mission in Bangkok have received information recently of an increased threat to our embassy in Thailand," a DFAT spokeswoman told the Australian Associated Press. "There has been no increased physical security at our Bangkok mission overnight." Australia updated its travel advice for Thailand on June 13 to reflect increased concerns of terrorist activities in the country and boosted security at its embassy. "The reissued security advice noted that security was being boosted at the Australian embassy in Bangkok," the spokeswoman said. "The level of warning was already high and recommended that Australians in Thailand exercise extreme caution." An internal police memo obtained by Reuters news agency said units had been instructed to increase patrols and boost the police presence at tourist sites and other "soft" terrorist targets. Police were also instructed to monitor imports of explosives by local firms, the June 30 memo said according to Reuters. The circular was issued a week after Thailand's national police chief Sant Sarutanond said the country had been warned by international intelligence agencies of possible terrorist attacks. Security forces in Thailand have been on alert for Muslim militancy. Last month, authorities arrested a man they say was carrying 30 kilograms of radioactive caesium-137 suitable for constructing a so-called 'dirty bomb.' Authorities also apprehended several men in June who officials say are members of the Islamic militant group Jemaah Islamiyah suspected of plotting terror attacks.
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