Thai government maximizes security measures

BANGKOK, March 19 (TNA) - In response to the Senate's inquiries about the Thai government's foreign affair policies in the wake of a spate of three bomb blasts on Sukhumvit 71 Road in Bangkok last month, Thai Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul has explained that the Pheu Thai Party-led administration has maximized security measures in the country. During a parliamentary session on Tuesday, Senator Sutham Panthusak asked Surapong about his ministry’s response to the February 14 bomb blasts in the capital and travel advisories against Thailand by other countries subsequently. Surapong told the Senate session that he has asked security organizations to respond carefully to the bomb blasts to maintain good relations with all countries and present the neutrality of Thailand amid conflicts of other nations and has explained relevant issues to foreign diplomats to prevent them from receiving distorted information. Besides, Surapong said, the Thai government has intensified security measures for important places and tourist destinations crowded with foreign visitors and has taken stricter control on international tourist arrivals to prevent any terrorist attack. According to the foreign minister, the Thai government is also gathering information on reports that mafia-like organizations harmed foreign tourists in local places and the administration is seriously working out solutions with security agencies. Regarding the travel advisories maintained by 14 countries and two economic zones namely Hong Kong and Taiwan, the Thai foreign minister acknowledged that the nations and the economic zones have not banned their people from visiting Thailand, but only recommended precautions. (TNA)