Australia warns of attack threat in Thailand

Canberra, Mar 8: Australia issued a travel alert for its citizens in Thailand today, the second in little more than two weeks, saying intelligence pointed to a high threat of extremist bomb attacks.

''We continue to receive reports that terrorists may be planning attacks against a range of targets, including tourist areas and other places frequented by foreigners,'' Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs said in its latest advisory.

Bangkok has been on heightened alert since bombs on New Year's Eve killed three people in the Thai capital and wounded more than 30, including six foreigners.

''Further terrorist attacks could occur at any time, anywhere in Thailand,'' the Australian advory said.

The risk stemmed from separatist violence in the Muslim-majority southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, where more than 2,000 people have died in three years of separatist violence, it said.

''The increase in violence in Southern Thailand may lead to attacks elsewhere in Thailand, including Bangkok and other tourist areas, such as Phuket and Pattaya,'' it said.

Last month, 38 bombings and around 26 arson attacks took place over a two-day period in the Muslim farsouth, killing seven people and wounding scores.

Targets included entertainment venues, power grids, service stations, telephone lines and a department store, as well as two government schools and Narathiwat central mosque.

REUTERS