CHIANG MAI, 12 February 2013 (NNT) – Security has been tightened at the United States consulate in Chiang Mai city, following reports that Al-Qaeda and Salafist movements planned to launch an attack this month.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung earlier confirmed that the government received information that Al-Qaeda and Salafist militants are planning a three-pronged attack on the US consulate in the province in an operation codenamed “Billiard Ball”.

He elaborated that those groups were receiving financial and arms support from drug traders who were dissatisfied with the drug suppression operations of the US consulate in Chiang Mai.

In the wake of such reports, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered security beef-up at the US facility.

Read more: NNT