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Israelis and Americans in Bangkok currently face a real and credible terrorist threat, according to the US Embassy. This information was found during the questioning of Lebanese man; he has possible connections with Hezbollah. The police warned that another suspect was involved and a bombing had already been planned.
A high level of tension already existed because of the response by Israel and the United States to the possibility of Iran moving forward in the development of nuclear weapons. Hezbollah, a group in Lebanon accused of countless Middle East terrorist attacks over the past three decades, acts as a comrade to Iran and is actively anti-Israel.
Thai officials heard of the planned attack to target Israelis before the New Year. Deputy Prime Minister Charlerm Yubamrung said, “At first we were told the Palestinians were behind it but it turned out to be the Hezbollah.” Yubamrung went on to explain that officials had been “following two Lebanese men and called one of them in for questioning. Technically the two men have not committed any crimes under the Thai law, so we could only use the immigration law to keep this one suspect in custody,” he explained.
The suspect’s name was not released, but is currently at large and allegedly still remains somewhere in Thailand. Piya Utayo, the Metropolitan Police spokesman, asked the people of Thailand to keep a sharp eye out for the suspect. In order to aid this process, the authorities released a sketch of the suspect during a late-night news conference.
The US Embassy released an emergency message to citizens of the United States currently in Thailand. The message stated:
“Foreign terrorists may be currently looking to conduct attacks against tourist areas in Bangkok in the near future.”
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The message went on to caution tourists against communing in tourist areas of the country and to exercise much caution while going out in public. This has been the first caution against a terrorist attack released to United States citizens visiting Thailand in recent memory.
Israel sent out a recommendation for Israelis to not enter into Bangkok for any reason, not accept any objects from strangers or to commune at common Israeli areas of Bangkok. Israel backpackers often visit Thailand as a popular destination for adventure.
Intelligence reports confirm that the attacks are likely related to the United State’s involvement with Iran. Hezbollah is greatly supported by Syria and Iran, and has proven itself stronger than either nation’s national military defense. The Shiite Muslim group is the most potent military source within Lebanon.
While Thailand is not often the source of terrorist attacks, civilians in the south of the country have been targeted by local Muslim’s within the country.
