Tourist spots in Bangkok on high alert after CIA report

Security measures have been tightened up around the US embassy and tourist spots in Bangkok, following a warning by the US State Department over the safety of Americans and other foreigners in Thailand.

The move comes after the release of a US Senate report on alleged CIA malpractices in Thailand.

"Intelligence agencies have reported that the situation is still normal at the moment and we have not faced any situation so far that could lead 0o protests or unrest," Bangkok Post reported, quoting the Deputy Metropolitan Police chief.

Security has been stepped up in popular tourist areas such as Khao San Road, Soi Nana and Sathon, he added.

Thailand joined Afghanistan and Pakistan as one of the countries at risk of violence after the release of the report outlining harsh interrogation techniques used by the CIA on terrorist suspects.

In identical notices to Americans in those three countries, the embassies said the release of the report "could prompt anti-US protests and violence against US interests, including US citizens."

The State Department urged US citizens to be on alert and take appropriate safety precautions, including avoiding demonstrations or confrontational situations.

The three countries allegedly hosted secret facilities where prisoners were interrogated and tortured, according to the report.

For Thailand, however, the report blanked out all the information about the country's role in waterboarding, housing terrorist suspects from around the world and the exact involvement of the Thaksin Shinawatra government, National Security Agency and Royal Thai Army.

The report delivered a damning indictment of CIA practices, accusing the spy agency of inflicting pain and suffering on prisoners beyond legal limits.