Thai Defense Minister Gen. Thammarak Isarangura Na Ayutthaya said on Tuesday that the kingdom's public safety measures are up to international standard and up to the task of providing for the kingdom's security.

The country is now on a higher level of security, Thammarak was quoted by the Thai News Agency as saying, even without any attacks or warning of attack.

Speaking about measures to protect tourists in Thailand following last Saturday's bombings on Indonesia's resort island of Bali, Gen. Thammarak said Thailand is on high alert all the time.

Officials are ready and have focused on stepped up security. Thailand's major attractions are guarded. The security system is in order as a standard policy. It is not beefed up only when there is a warning, Thammarak said.

Among the measures in place is the patrolling of Thai waters to prevent foreigners from illegal entry into the country, the defense minister said. The ministry has allocated about 30 million Bhat (750,000 US dollars) for the Royal Thai Navy to keep a close watch on Thai waters. The Royal Thai Navy has the goal and is working step by step to check people traveling to Thailand by sea,he said.

The southern Satun Province will be under special control because "ill-intentioned people" may use the province as a gateway for illegal entry into the country, he added.

Source: Xinhua