Security levels raised at Bangkok airways after two terrorist blasts in two days

A major explosion outside the popular Erawan Shrine in Bangkok on Monday has killed at least 21 people and reportedly injured a further 140. As of yet no organization has claimed responsibility leaving speculation to run rife. A second explosion occurred today caused by someone who was witnessed throwing a pipe bomb off a bridge, which then hit a column before exploding, sending up a large plume of water. There were no casualties as a result of this second bomb.
The knock-on effect for Thailand’s airline industry which is already subject to heavy scrutiny over what are perceived to be weaknesses in security has seen procedures operating “elevated, very strict security measures” compared to the norm. The country has recently been attacked by the ICAO and FAA for its low standards where control of safety and security are concerned. Thailand had already been added to the ICAO ‘black-flag’ list of countries to be avoided or carefully watched by carriers, and the FAA has presented the country with a deadline of late October to improve its operational systems or as a consequence they are likely to face a possible US-flight ban.
Bangkok Airways DG Puttipong Prasarttong-Osoth commented that Bangkok Airways is presently working with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AOT) to implement improved security measures at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Samui Airport, Sukhothai Airport and Trat Airport. AOT also operates Don Mueang, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Chiang Rai and Suvarnabhumi airports. Currently Thailand has been struggling to implement a full baggage x-ray scanning procedure at its airports. This improved security measure which became operational in the middle of July saw a 100% baggage X-ray scan policy implemented at all terminals which, up until then, had not been implemented for low-cost carriers. However only three days later the extra check was terminated in order to reduce the number of complaints resulting from the many-hours-long queues that appeared.