Thailand: Extra security for US Embassy after threats

Authorities have tightened security measures at the US Consulate in the northern province of Chiang Mai following reports that it could be a target of attack from al-Qaida and Salafist terrorist groups this month.

The Prime Minister, Yingluck Shinawatra, said she had been informed about the reports and that she had ordered security agencies to add more forces to provide safety at the facility, 570km (350m) north of Bangkok.

“The US Embassy in Thailand has not requested any extra measures but we have to monitor the situation attentively,” Ms Yingluck said. The Deputy Prime Minister, Chalerm Yubumrung, refused to give details about the threats, but said the measures had been in place since 6 February.