SINGAPORE, June 27: Bomb squads, sniffer dogs and armed police are being deployed as security is ramped up in cities hosting the Asian Cup finals, although authorities are playing down any threats.

Sixteen teams from around the region, boasting some of the world's top players, will converge on Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam in coming days to prepare for the tournament from July 7, and no chances are being taken.

In Bangkok, where a military junta is in charge after seizing power in a bloodless coup last year, police issued reassurances that the safety of players and fans was paramount.

“We are ready. We will deploy all our equipment, including bomb squads and dogs,” said Lieutenant General Phanu Kerdlarpbhol, deputy head of Bangkok's metropolitan police.—AFP