Posted on 09/30/2003 11:06:15 PM PDT by HAL9000
Fears are growing that six portable missiles may have been smuggled into Thailand for use in terror attacks during the Apec summit.The missiles are reported to be similar to one fired at a chartered Israeli commercial jet loaded with holiday makers as it left Mombasa airport in Africa last year. It missed and the plane continued on to Tel Aviv.
A highly-placed Crime Suppression Division police source said urgent orders had been issued to trace the missiles.
The detectives' report on the missing missiles is sketchy, giving no details on their origin, when they were smuggled into Thailand, by whom or how. But authorities were taking the issue seriously, the source said.
Officers from the Special Branch police had been called in to help.
Adding to the fears about the missiles is a recent report that Don Muang international airport is considered one of the most vulnerable in Asia.
The Singapore report, quoting aviation security experts, said aircraft flying in and out of Bangkok might be vulnerable to missile attacks, given the airport's proximity to highways, residences and commercial complexes.
Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, in charge of national security, has rejected the Singapore report, saying all necessary precautions had been taken and no detail overlooked.
Airport security had been tight for years, he said.
The elevated Don Muang Tollway, which runs parallel to Bangkok International Airport, would be subject to tight security, and all vehicles would be searched for weapons, especially missiles, at entry tollgates.
Air force chief ACM Kongsak Wantana, in charge of security at the airport and adjacent areas, said the inconvenience to motorists would be a small price to pay for security.
Gen Chavalit said the government would ensure security during the Oct 17-21 Asia-Pacific Cooperation (Apec) forum meetings. ``We're not standing with our hands in our pockets,'' he said.
Every-day crime was bound to occur, but should not be met with over-reaction.
The country had always advocated peaceful conflict resolution.
He said the government had spent a large amount on improving security _ not only for Apec, but for Thailand in general.
Security was not being left to shop-floor personnel but involved direct, hands-on supervision by high-ranking officials.
Gen Chavalit also said the government had not received requests from Apec leaders for personal security teams to carry firearms in Thailand.
Australia is reported to have sought permission for staff to carry firearms to protect Prime Minister John Howard and his delegation while at Apec.
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