Thailand tightens security after attack warnings

BANGKOK, Mar 11 (Reuters) Thailand has tightened security ahead of the anniversary this week of the founding of a Muslim separatist group in the rebellious far south, coup leader Sonthi Boonyaratglin said today.

''We are on full alert,'' the army chief who led a September coup to oust Prime Minister Thaksin Shinaawatra told reporters.

The southern insurgents have launched waves of bomb attacks on notable dates, but Sonthi said he did not expect threats to Bangkok ahead of Tuesday's anniversary.

''They are just rumours. Don't pay attention to them,'' he said.

Australia has issued two travel alerts, saying intelligence pointed to a high threat of extremist bombs attacks.

It 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 been killed in three years of violence.

The increase in violence in the southern Thailand might lead to attacks elsewhere in the country, including Bangkok and tourist areas, such as Phuket and Pattaya, it said.

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.

Those attacks are still unresolved.

Lieutenant-General Prayud Janocha, who is responsible for security in Bangkok said last month Bangkok was on alert after intelligence reports warned of possible attacks in the city ahead of a Buddhist holiday last weekend.

It passed without incident.

Reuters SP DB1915