BANGKOK (Reuters):

SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS at the Asian Cup are being tightened after intelligence reports warned of possible terrorist threats in two of the four host nations.

Police in Thailand have already beefed up security in Bangkok after army intelligence reports suggested separatists in the rebellious Muslim south might take their insurgency to the capital.

The Australian Government has also warned its citizens to reconsider travelling to Indonesia, which will host the Asian Cup final on July 29, because of the imminent threat of a terrorist attack.

Vietnam and Malaysia are the other nations hosting the 16-team tournament.

Briefing

Representatives of the Australian team, who are playing their group matches in Bangkok, were due to meet the Thailand ambassador yesterday for a briefing on plans to protect players and spectators.

John Boultbee, the head of high performance for the Australians, said he was in constant contact with the government about the latest security situation and was confident with the AFC's arrangements.

"We're monitoring it as we have been all along," Boultbee said.

"Every place we go, whether it be Europe or Asia or wherever, we're constantly getting the latest information.

"The government's always very cautious and we listen to them.

"Indonesia is a place where Australians need to be a bit more vigilant ... but we've had a full briefing security from the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) and we're satisfied with the arrangements."

The AFC, which is in charge of security operations during the tournament, would not comment on the latest warnings, but had said they were taking every precaution.

"Security issues are very important," AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam told a news conference on the eve of the tournament.

"We are satisfied with the measures we have in place."