"We have to prepare to face the new threat," Surayud told the National Legislative Assembly during a session on the bombings.

The premier said he had assigned the Internal Security Operations Command to ensure security in the capital and prevent a repeat of the attacks.

Eight explosions in the capital killed three people and injured 45, including nine foreigners.

Authorities had made some progress in collecting evidence that could lead to the arrest of the culprits, Surayud said.

"Supplied by residents and business operators, evidence including photographs shed light on the bombings," he said.

He urged members of the public to help authorities in solving the case.

With regard to preventive measures, he said the government would involve the private sector in beefing up security in public places.

"The security measures will be enforced with emerging threats in mind and not just to fight the political violence," he said.

Speaking to reporters later, Surayud said authorities were expediting the installation of closed-circuit television in areas vulnerable to terrorism. He ruled out the involvement of southern insurgents in the Bangkok bombings.

"Based on the forensic report, bombs were assembled to look like those used by southern insurgents but detailed examination of the explosions and the modus operandi indicated no link to the southern violence," he said.

He said he had alerted police and security agencies after receiving an intelligence report about potential terror attacks during the New Year holiday. The report identified two shopping malls, CentralWorld and Seacon Square, as possible targets, he said. Police had already beefed up security but the attacks happened beyond their expectations.

"If it was any consolation, organisers cancelled the New Year countdown at CentralWorld and avoided untold casualties triggered by panic," he said, referring to two explosions that happened five minutes into New Year's Day.

The Nation