Thailand increases security following terrorism warning

Security has been increased on the popular Thai tourist islands of Phuket and Samui following an intelligence warning that foreign militants are planning attacks in the region. These and many other tourist destinations in Thailand are expected to be particularly busy over the coming days in the run up to Thai New Year (Songkran). The intelligence report has suggested that there are four possible terrorists at large, including two Russian Chechens and two ethnic Uighur from Turkey. The latter are believed to have entered Thailand towards the end of March. There are currently two Uighur men facing trial in Thailand for their alleged involvement in a bomb attack on a shrine in the capital, Bangkok, in August 2015. Analysts have said that the bomb was likely in retaliation for Thailand’s decision to deport more than 100 Uighurs to China in July 2015.

Bangkok: Thai authorities have stepped up security on Phuket and Samui islands following a leaked intelligence warning that four foreign militants are plotting terrorist attacks in south-east Asia.

Both Phuket and Samui are popular destinations for Australian tourists and will be packed next week for Thai New Year holidays.

A key suspect in the Bangkok bombing, identified as Mieraili Yusufu, during a re-enactment of the bombing at Bangkok's popular Erawan Shrine. Credit: AP

According to the local news website Kaosod, a leaked intelligence memo identified two suspected militants as ethnic Uighur men from Turkey who entered Thailand on March 23.

The pair "may stage attacks on Chinese and targets and interests in south-east Asia", according to a memo from Surat Thani's governor to local police, which cites an original warning from Thailand's National Intelligence Co-ordinating Centre.