Journalism

Terror Threat in Thailand It is usually difficult for the world to have total peace for a while without having an issue with breach of peace from terrorists or other groups. The recent terror threat in Thailand has left many people terrified, afraid, and extremely cautious. It is claimed that Bangkok has been the primary target for the dreaded Hezbollah operatives who are claimed to target the Israelis visiting Bangkok. Various countries have expressed their concern over the terror threat. Some have indeed gone ahead, and warned their citizens in Thailand to be extra cautious. The U. S embassy was the first to warn its citizens on January 13. According to U. S embassy in Bangkok “ U. S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a heightened awareness when out in public; be alert for unattended packages/bags in public/crowded places and report any suspicious behavior to the nearest law enforcement personnel” (Embassy of the United States, 2012, web).
However, Thailand citizens living in Bangkok have more to worry than any other persons do. The residents have taken every precaution to ensure that nothing takes them by surprise. A close interview with Thanyarat, a Bangkok resident perhaps tells the magnitude of the issue at hand “ my family and I have taken the warning seriously and have done every efforts to avoid unnecessary movements. Although the government has promised to heighten security measures, I feel that it is important for us as citizens to take extreme precaution too.” Thanyarat who witnessed the Malaysia-Thailand border attack has every reason to be afraid. He claimed that his family survived miraculously from the car bomb attacks and would not want the same to happen again.
Although a good number of residents are scared, some are not and have total confidence in the security measures provided by the government. Malik, a businessperson in the heart of Bangkok is has confidence in the security measures provided by the government but has changed his lifestyle. “ I am scared too since I work in the primary target area. However, I have been forced to change my daily routine for safety purposes.”
Thai defense minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa said that the possible targets were synagogues and the Israeli embassy. Bangkoks popular Khao San Road was also flagged as another possible target. This terror threat comes amidst the strained relationship between Iran and the U. S government over suspicious nuclear program activities. Hezbollah is claimed to be supported by Iran and Syria albeit indirectly. Thai’s deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung has made concerted efforts to restore calm and confidence in government operations. He said that the government has tightened security in all areas and people should not have anything to worry. Going by his words, the terror is behind us.
Normal lifestyle is yet to be restored and signs are still present that Bangkok residents are still afraid. Despite government’s assurance of security, residents such as Thanyarat and Malik are still yet to go back to their usual lifestyles. Thanyarat and Malik certainly need protection from the government, but just like any other citizens, they have taken precautionary measures. It can only be hoped that situation will calm down and normal lifestyle restored.
Reference
Embassy of the United States. (2012). EMERGENCY MESSAGE TO U. S. CITIZENS. Embassy of the United States; Bamgkok-Thailand. Retrieved from http://bangkok. usembassy. gov/011312emergencymessage. html