Security tightened in Bangkok amid fears
The Internal Security Operations Command tightened security at shopping malls and other public places in the Thai capital on Sunday, as authorities ordered forces to be on full alert for attacks by Muslim insurgents ahead of the Makha Bucha Buddhist holiday on March 3. Bangkok Govervor Apirak Kosayothin spent the weekend inspecting some of the city's major shopping malls to ensure that security guards were aware of the heightened measures and that closed-circuit cameras were in working order. Concerns about attacks were spurred by a wave of bombings Feb. 18 in the three restive southern provinces as thousands were celebrating Lunar New Year. The Australian, British and Canadian embassies last week updated their travel warnings about possible terrorism in the capital.