Thailand downplays al Qaeda 'plot'
From CNN Bangkok Bureau Chief Tom Mintier
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Security has been stepped up in Bangkok ahead of the APEC summit in October.
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BANGKOK, Thailand (CNN) -- Responding to intelligence suggesting al Qaeda might try to target an Israeli airliner in or near Bangkok, Thai Army Intelligence sources say they are unaware of a specific plan to attack any airline.
Security measures are, however, being implemented at Bangkok International Airport, which has been described by intelligence sources as "quite vulnerable."
Israeli television reported Tuesday that police in Thailand foiled an al Qaeda plot to launch an attack on an Israeli El Al airliner in Bangkok, but a U.S. official has downplayed the report.
"The intelligence suggests the possibility. That threat information exists, but I would not go as far as saying there definitely was such a plot that was foiled," said a U.S. official.
According to the report, three months ago Thai police arrested a man at the airport who was seen filming around the El Al counter and that a plan to attack airline passengers was recovered during a raid on the man's home.
A spokesman for Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau Wednesday said people are arrested on a regular basis for violating the airport's rule against videotaping and filming, but are typically released without incident.
According to the spokesman, the CIB knows of no al Qaeda plot directed at El Al.
Security concerns are also focused on the Royal Thai Air Force golf course that sits between the runways of the airport.
Thai intelligence officials said it will be closed down by authorities for the month of October in advance of and during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
The APEC summit, which kicks off on October 19, is the biggest gathering of world leaders in the region this year.
Presidents and prime ministers from 21 nations -- including the United States, China, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Australia and Malaysia -- will be attending.
-- CNN Bangkok Bureau Chief Tom Mintier contributed to this report.
