Security boosted at Turkish and Russian embassies after assassination in Ankara
POLICE have boosted security at the Russian and Turkish embassies in Bangkok after an off-duty Turkish policeman gunned down the Russian ambassador as he gave a speech at an exhibition in Ankara, the Turkish capital.
Acting deputy city police chief Pol Maj General Panurat Luckboon said he had ordered additional checkpoints to be set up in front of the Turkish Embassy in Suthisan, and the Russian Embassy in Bang Rak district.
He spoke after chairing a meeting of officials from the Army, the National Intelligence Agency, Immigration Police, plus senior provincial police via a video conference network.
An off-duty policeman, Mevlut Mert Altintas, 22, shot the Russian Ambassador to Turkey eight times at the opening of a Russian photography exhibition. The attacker was heard shouting “Aleppo” and “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest), during the attack.
Panurat said Thailand was not a party to the conflict [in Syria] but the authorities would be on high alert to prevent any
incident here.
Deputy national police chief Pol General Srivara Rangsibrahmanakul said neither embassy had asked for extra security following the attack in Ankara. However, police would follow up and keep abreast with information related to the drama in order to be able to ensure safety for each diplomatic mission and their personnel.
National police chief Pol General Chakthip Chaijinda said police had to give full protection to foreign embassies and were ready to provide more, if asked.
The tragedy in Turkey, he said, would not have an impact on national security of Thailand.
Panurat said officials also discussed preparatory measures for security throughout the country over the New Year period when Bangkok and other provinces would be crowded with people, including foreign tourists.
Police have been told to check security cameras at 27 piers along the Saen Saep Canal – a major waterway that runs through Bangkok.
“Each police station along the river will check whether the security cameras at the piers in their jurisdiction are functioning or not. If they are not in full capacity, they should be fixed. The lights in those areas will be checked to make sure they are working at night, so people can be safe,” Panurat said.
The measures would also boost trust and confidence among tourists. In regard to violence in the Deep South, he said no intelligence reports suggested that militants from the area may instigate violence in Bangkok over the New Year.
