However, Col Eknirut urged people to remain calm and noted that no special instructions had been passed on to regular police in Phuket.
“This document is real, but it is part of our normal workings,” he said. “We receive information like this as part of our usual duties in maintaining security.
“As the news (of the memo) has already spread, we would like to remind people that this is normal in maintaining worldwide security awareness.”
Regardless, Col Eknirut called on all persons to be aware of and to report any suspicious behaviour, especially by “foreigners”.
The memo, which was “leaked” to the media yesterday, reported that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) had passed on intelligence that 10 Syrian IS members had entered Thailand between October 15 and 31, with the intent of carrying out terror attacks on Russian nationals.
Two of the 10 had travelled to Phuket, the memo noted. (See story here.)
Pol Lt Col Bundit Khaosutham, the Deputy Superintendent of the Tourist Police Division, Central Investigation Bureau, in Phuket, confirmed that his office had received an order after the November 13 Paris attacks to inspect consular residences and properties of other foreigners as a general security measure.
“We were also ordered to co-ordinate our work with local official, plus we are keeping on an eye on small cases such as overstays and illegal immigrants,” he said.
“We want people to aware of any very strange behaviour by foreigners, and report it to us by calling 1155,” Col Bundit said.
The Commander of the Phuket Provincial Police, Col Teerapol Thipjaroen, this morning also said that he had no knowledge of any memo from the Royal Thai Police Special Branch calling for security to be ramped up in Phuket.
“I have not received any specific orders about this case,” Col Teerapol said. “But we have already implemented heightened security throughout Phuket, after the (Erawan Shrine) explosion in Bangkok.”
Col Teerapol called on the public to report any suspicious items left in public by calling 191.
he also called on all landlords to be aware of “suspicious foreigners” in rented accommodations.
“As we are in a tourism location, owners of small rental houses, apartments and rooms are urged to please aware and observe any abnormal behaviour by tenants,” he said.
“Phuket is a tourism destination and attracts many tourists. Please keep an eye out for anything suspicious that you see a foreigner leaving or dumping in a public place, especially if it seems to be some type of electrical equipment. If you see anything like this, please call the police.”