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Report from The STAR dated Wednesday 20 September 2006 :-

Thailand increases surveillance at suspected troublespots

DANOK , a town near Bukit Kayu Hitam, Kedah, is a potential target for Thai separatists in view of the increase in bombings in southern Thailand.

Utusan Malaysia reported a source as saying that security in the border town, popular among Malaysians and other foreigners, had been stepped up in the wake of the recent Saturday night bombings in Haadyai, which killed four people and wounded 70.

Based on intelligence reports, Thai authorities had obtained information that the town was likely to be the separatists' next target, said the daily.

The source said Thai authorities have since stepped up surveillance from Sadao to Kampung Thai Changloon in Danok and Padang Besar on Monday.

Thai immigration procedures have also been tightened to monitor people entering and leaving the country, the source added

According to the daily, Danok is a popular shopping and entertainment destination for Malaysians. Aside from being one of the main entry points into Thailand, it is also one of the main business centres along the border.

Berita Harian reported that Malaysian police have tightened security checks along the border to stop Thais from fleeing to the country from southern Thailand.

It said the authorities were worried that the spate of violence there would force Thais to seek refuge in Malaysia.

The daily quoted Kelantan police chief Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah as saying that security at the border was under control and police have yet to receive any reports of Thais trying to leave their country.

He urged those with information of such attempts to alert the police.
--- KatoeyNewsNetwork