Man held on possible plan to harm Goh

Man held on possible plan to harm Goh

THAILAND: Thai police said on Thursday they have arrested a Singaporean on suspicion he may have been planning to harm Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in Bangkok during this month's Asia-Pacific summit.

National police chief Sant Sarutanont told reporters a preliminary investigation showed the man had sent e-mails from an Internet cafe at his Bangkok apartment building in which he threatened to harm the Singapore leader.

Sant said the man denied any intention to attack Goh who, along with U.S. President George Bush, will be in Bangkok for the Oct. 20 and Oct. 21 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

"We have sufficient evidence to press many charges related to the sending of messages threatening a government leader," Sant said.

He said it was possible the detained man was mentally disturbed.

Deputy Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh told reporters he did not believe the man was connected with any terrorist group.

"This was apparently motivated by a desire to disrupt events and he may have some mental problems," Chavalit said. --Reuters