BANGKOK: Security has been increased in tourist spots around Bangkok as Thai authorities widen the search for the suspected bomber behind the Erawan shrine bomb attack one week ago (Aug 17).
Members of the public have also been asked to help the authorities with their security operation.
The heightened security is part of the government's initiative to ensure public safety. Undeterred by the attack, foreign visitors have returned to the shrine after it re-opened last week, armed with selfie sticks and cameras.
Across the city, authorities continue on a massive manhunt for the bomb suspect, searching thousands of guesthouses and tourist spots across the city.
New security measures have also been introduced in many areas popular with international visitors, with more police and army officials deployed and checkpoints set up to conduct random searches on Thais and tourists alike.
Khao San Road is one of these areas affected by the new measures.
“We explained to the tourists that the situation is not normal. Our security measures to conduct searches on Khao San Road would do more good than harm,” said Pol Lt Col Somyos Udomraksusup, Deputy Superintendent from the Chana Songkhram precinct. “When we conduct our search, we explain to them that these searches are necessary to prevent a bomb attack here.”
THE PUBLIC'S EYES AND EARS
Apart from the increase in security presence, Thai police are also relying on members of the public, like taxi drivers and street vendors, to be their eyes and ears.
"We have given training to restaurant and bar staff, motorcycle taxi drivers, as well as tour guides to help spot the bomb suspect and suspicious items,” said Pol Lt Col Udomraksusup. “We ask them to report anything suspicious to us, while stressing that there is no need to panic.”
Prasert Jongtongkam, a motorcycle taxi driver in the Khao San area, has experienced bomb and gun attacks during the deadly street protests of 2010 and 2013. Since then, he and his peers have attended basic bomb recognition training conducted by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Force.
"The police have trained us about bombs and asked us to be their eyes and ears, because there are many motorcycles around the city,” he said. “The police have shown us what the different types of explosives look like. They have told us what to do when we see suspicious items before we report to the authorities."
There have been at least six bomb scares in the Thai capital since the bomb attack at Ratchaprasong intersection and explosion at Sathorn pier.
Thai authorities said they need more time before they can establish the motive and perpetrators' identities