Thai DPM allays concerns on reported IS arrivals

BANGKOK, December 4 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister General Tanasak Patimapragorn suggests people not to be concerned over reports on possible arrivals in Thailand of some members of the Islamic State (IS) recently, stressing that security authorities are doing their best to ensure public safety. General Tanasak made the remarks at Bangkok's Government House on Friday, in response to the recent reports that Russia's Federal Security Service (FSS) has warned of possible attacks against Russian interests in Thailand as 10 Syrians with connection to the IS group had entered Thailand during October 15-31. General Tanasak explained that it was just a normal report of FSS, not an intelligence one and concerned Thai agencies have been ordered to verify it. "I think the person who released the document may have ill intention or want to communicate some message. Strict immigration controls at checkpoints and along the border have been active", said the Thai deputy prime minister, adding, "if the information was true, a suspect should have already been arrested." The Thai deputy premier denied any acknowledgment on reports that Russian people have been warned to take precautions for their planned trips to Thailand, noting that the Russian top envoy to Thailand did not raised the issue in a recent meeting with him. "I admit that it is normal to be worried over such a report because there has not been such a movement in our country for a long time. I believe it was about situation assessment and precautions, the Thai deputy premier pointed out. (TNA)