"Previously we exercised the strictest security measures, especially the narrowing of pathways for passengers. But now we have to be even stricter and we've reduced the width of the pathways to a single line each so that officers can more easily examine luggage," RAT Southern Region director Thanongsak Phongprasert said yesterday.

Closed-circuit television cameras are being used to record people entering and exiting the train stations. The number of officers patrolling the high-risk areas has also been increased, he said.

The strictest measures will be imposed on important train stations in the three southernmost provinces, such as Yala, Pattani and Sungai Kolok, as well as the main train service routes.

General manager of Hat Yai International Airport Wing Commander Prateep Wichitto said the pathway measure had also been introduced at the airport and more military officers were being asked to help with patrolling.

Phuket deputy governor Worapot Ratthasima said 48 more closed-circuit television cameras would be installed in various areas even though the province has already taken measures to handle attacks.

"The local police have increased surveillance in tourism spots, especially very crowed and popular ones such as Patong beach," he said.

Worapot said it was crucial that everyone helped with surveillance by noting any irregularities.

Noppadol Phetcharat,

Salinee Prab

The Nation