Thai DPM:Missing visa stickers not related to terrorism

BANGKOK, August 24 (TNA) - An initial investigation has found that the disappearance of more than 300 visa labels from the Thai Embassy to Malaysia a month ago is not related to terrorism. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul told journalists of the update on Saturday morning, saying that an investigation committee was set up on July 24 to probe into the incident. Surapong acknowledged that Thai immigration police have been asked later to closely monitor foreigners' entering or leaving Thailand to see whether they use the missing visa stickers. Besides, hotel and resort operators have also been requested to register visa number of those check in. Although the missing visa stickers was initially found not to be related to terrorism or ongoing violence in the Thai deep South, Surapong revealed that security agencies have also been asked to investigate on the incident, after it was found those who were recently apprehended had illegally used visas stolen from countries which could be hit by terrorists. Touching on the government's assistance to Thai nationals wishing to return home from Egypt due to prevailing violence there, the deputy premier confirmed that additional 11 of them are scheduled to return to Thailand by a commercial flight Saturday afternoon. According to the deputy prime minister, a number of Thai students want to continue staying in Egypt, but the Thai government will ask them to return home if the situation deteriorates. (TNA)