S Korea receives terror warning

The South Korean government has ordered security to be tightened around its embassies and national aircraft, after receiving a letter threatening terrorist attacks.

The letter, sent to the country's embassy in Thailand, warned that South Korean businesses and organisations could be targeted in a number of Asian countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Vietnam.

It was written by a group calling itself the Anti-Korean Interest Agency.

A government official said the motive could have been resentment over South Korea's denial of entry to large numbers of Thais in recent years.

"Our country concluded a visa-exemption agreement with Thailand in 1981. As Thais don't have to obtain visas, many of them become illegal residents or are turned away at the airport," said Kim Wook, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's overseas residents and consular affairs bureau.

Last year, about 58,000 Thais arrived in South Korea, but more than 6,800 were denied entry due to concerns they may overstay the period of authorized stay, Kim told the official Yonhap news agency.

The order to increase security was made by Prime Minister Goh Kun , following discussions with senior government colleagues and the country's national intelligence service.