Singapore and Thailand agree to place armed air marshals on flights

Airline Industry Information, Dec 22, 2003

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2003 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

Singapore and Thailand are close to a deal to place armed air marshals on flights between the two countries.

Singapore's Deputy prime Minister said that arrangements were being put in place, for air guards to be present on all flights to and from the city-state and Thailand. Singapore already has a similar deal with Australia, which will see armed guards on flights before the end of 2003. The Deputy Prime Minister is also hoping to make a deal with Indonesia, where he is on a state visit.

Singapore, a major regional air hub, has increased security since the 11 September 2001 attacks on the US and the arrest of 30 suspected al-Qaida terrorists in the country, reports the Associated Press.

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