Thailand’s premier urged authorities to be vigilant after police said they were

Thailand’s premier urged authorities to be vigilant after police said they were boosting security at top tourist spots and retail areas in the capital during New Year celebrations.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said she had instructed the army to monitor events during the festivities and she herself would be on standby.

“I told the army, police and interior ministry to work closely together, especially over New Year so that people can enjoy the celebration,” she told reporters.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Police have said areas such as the upmarket shopping mall Central World, where a countdown event will be held, and the Khao San Road backpacker district were put on high alert after an incomplete bomb was found in the city last week.

Some of the sites involved, including Central World, were targeted in a series of coordinated nail bomb blasts in 2006 that killed three people and injured more than 30, forcing the cancellation of New Year’s celebrations.

Source AFP