Thai deputy PM downplays concerns over car-bomb threats in downtown Bangkok

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan on Wednesday downplayed concerns over possibilities of car bomb attacks in Sathorn area of Bangkok.

The deputy premier said the authorities have remained on alert and watched out for suspicious-looking vehicles and objects throughout Sathorn area which locates famous schools and high rises, amidst unconfirmed rumors that the busy area might be attacked by car bombs at anytime now.

He was responding to threats of car-bomb attacks at certain well-known schools in Sathorn area as earlier reported by the government's security officials.

He said the threats of bombings had not only been raised in Sathorn and nearby areas but in other parts of the Thai capital and its outlying areas since last month.

Uniformed and plainclothes policemen have watched out for possible bombing attempts while the government's intelligence and security units have constantly monitored any suspicious activity which might be linked with possible terrorist plots, he said. Endit