Thailand calls for intelligence cooperation in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asian countries should enhance intelligence cooperation to cope with the threat of terrorism, a Thai official said.

Southeast Asian countries should enhance intelligence cooperation to cope with the threat of terrorism, a Thai official said.

 A bomb attack site in Jakarta, Indonesia

Secretary General of the National Security Council (NSC) Thawip Netniyom on January 14 said the recent deadly bombings in Jakarta, Indonesia, showed that the self-claimed Islamic State is increasing its presence in Southeast Asia.

The attacks were completely unexpected because there were no signals or intelligence, he said, adding that Indonesia had not issued any warnings of possible attacks.

It is imperative for neighbouring countries in the region to increase their intelligence cooperation and work together on anti-terrorism campaigns, he stressed. He recommended imposing stricter controls at border gates.

Earlier, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha condemned the terror attacks and said the Thai Government is willing to help Indonesia broadly.