Thailand has tightened screening for foreign arrivals particularly at checkpoints along its border with Malaysia in the wake of the recent horrific terrorist attacks in France and Lebanon.
"There are IS members in that zone," Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said yesterday.
Prawit said the armed forces and police have already been instructed to step up security, and the Metropolitan Police Bureau was closely monitoring European embassies in Bangkok.
"We also urge the public to help monitor the situation," he said.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said he has instructed police, soldiers and the National Security Council to be on full alert. Security has also been beefed up at tourist sites.
The Islamic State terror group (also known as ISIS or ISIL) has claimed responsibility for the November 13 attacks on a stadium, a concert hall and Paris cafes in France that left over 120 people dead.
In Lebanon's capital Beirut, at least 41 people were killed and over 100 injured in twin suicide attacks on November 12. It was also claimed by IS.
