On 16 January 2012, Mr. Thani Thongphakdi, Director-General of the Department of Information and Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, responded to media enquiries about further actions taken by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the travel alert for Bangkok issued by the United States Embassy in Bangkok on 13 January 2012 over a possible terrorist threat, and the subsequent release of similar travel advisories and alerts by 14 other countries. Gist as follows:
1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been in close coordination with the agencies concerned, especially intelligence agencies, on this matter before the U.S. Embassy issued the said travel alert, with meetings been held periodically to share information. Diplomatic missions and international organizations in Thailand have been informed of the situation as well as measures taken by the Thai Government. The Ministry has also been providing updated information to Thai embassies and consulates-general in order for them to keep their respective host countries informed of the latest situation.
2. As for other countries that have issued similar travel advisories and alerts, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already been in contact with some of these countries, including the United States, at the official level. The Ministry will continue to work closely with the Thai security agencies concerned and will provide further information to diplomatic missions in due course.
3. The Spokesperson reiterated that the Thai Government has taken all necessary measures to ensure public safety and security as well as that of foreign nationals and diplomatic missions in Thailand.
For further information, please contact the Press Division, Department of Information, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tel.02-6435170, Fax.02-6435169, E-mail: div0704@mfa.go.th