Thailand praised for effective response to bomb blasts

BANGKOK, February 25 (TNA) - US Ambassador to Thailand Kristie Kenney has praised Thai authorities for their effective response to a spate of bomb blasts on Sukhumvit 71 Road in Bangkok on February 14. Bangkok Governor M.R. Sukhumbhand Paribatra told reporters that the US top envoy met him at the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) headquarters on Friday, during which she discussed security issues and expressed the appreciation to the Thai authorities concerned. Sukhumbhand said the US ambassador insisted that she has never told Americans not to visit Bangkok, and that a large number of Americans have travelled to the capital and another big group of American business persons will arrive in the city next month. According to the Bangkok governor, the US top envoy explained that the US government's travel advisory did not mean that Bangkok is unsafe but the warning was considered necessary, as key US figures and business operators always visit the Thai capital, promising that Washingon is ready to assist Thailand in an official investigation on the case, if requested. The governor revealed that the US ambassador also inquired about flood prevention measures in Thailand and was informed that the government and the BMA are joining forces to prevent flooding in the capital this year. (TNA)