PM asserts no IS movements in Thailand

BANGKOK, Jan 16 (TNA) -- Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha affirmed there has been no reports on the movements of the militant group Islamic State (IS) in Thailand. The premier, at a press conference at the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) on Friday, said there have been no reports on any movements from IS in Thailand, after the terror attack in the heart of Jakarta in Indonesia on Thursday, which the militant group had claimed it was responsible. Gen Prayuth said the government is not trying to conceal any information from the public about the situation, stressing that the public should not incorrectly connect any incidents and that Thailand should not be brought in to the conflict occurring in other countries. The prime minister noted, however, that the government has been closely monitoring the situation and beefing up security, which would include stricter inspection at immigration checkpoints, such as face recognition scanners. He added that public would now have to also be more aware and alert, though they must not panic, and must cooperate to assure security, safety and national stability. (TNA)