[Agrisalia]

The Nation/Asia News Network
Sunday, Feb 19, 2012

Authorities in the popular resort city of Pattaya have stepped up security measures, as suspects in last Tuesday's bomb blasts in Bangkok were believed to have stayed there prior to the incidents.

Komsan Ekachai, governor of Chon Buri province, and Pattaya Mayor Ittipol Khunpleum said operators of hotels and other types of accommodation had been asked to strictly follow regulations.

Authorities found that three suspects, believed to be Iranians, stayed at a guest house in Pattaya, but the operator did not report the customers' names to local authorities within 24 hours, as required by law.

Police Maj-General Chamnong Rattanakul, chief of Chon Buri provincial police, who also oversees Pattaya, said all hotel and guest house operators would be required to cooperate with authorities and strictly abide by rules and regulations.

He suggested establishments install closed-circuit TV systems and require proper registration of all guests.

Operators must also report to authorities quickly if they have any suspicions concerning the possibility of terrorism.

"In the past, we were not strict with operators. Now, we need to work together to ensure security for everyone. The Bali bombing [of 2002] is a good example. If that happens, there will be serious economic consequences, especially a severe impact on tourism.

"Operators should pay more attention to their staff, especially their housekeepers and security personnel, who must help authorities monitor potential suspects and help prevent untoward incidents," Chamnong said.

"Potential terrorists will not stay in big hotels, but will choose to stay in small places such as guest houses in order to avoid strict security regulations," he said.

Meanwhile, Foreign minister Surapong Towichukchaikul said it was not yet possible to seek the extradition of a bomb suspect from Malaysia to Thailand.

At this stage, Malaysian authorities have not filed formal charges against the suspect, who is believed to have fled from Thailand to Malaysia following the drama in Bangkok last week.

However, Malaysian authorities said they would fully cooperate with their counterparts in Thailand in this case. The suspect was arrested while attempting to leave Malaysia for Iran.

Earlier, the Israeli government accused Iran of being behind the bomb incidents in Bangkok, saying its top diplomat was among the targets.

Israel also stated that the bombs used in Bangkok were manufactured at the same site as those used in recent incidents in India and Georgia.

However, the Iranian diplomatic mission in Bangkok has denied Iran's involvement in the bomb incidents.

No one was killed in the Bangkok blasts - in Sukhumvit 71 - but one of the suspects lost his legs after one bomb reportedly hit a tree and bounced back close to him.