BANGKOK Southeast Asia has urged the United States to investigate thoroughly before ordering retaliation for last week's terror attacks, Reuters quoted Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai as saying on Monday.

"Every country, including all in ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations), would like to see the United States obtain clear-cut evidence and a thorough investigation before starting its operations," Surakiart told reporters.

"Don't jump the gun now on what and how the U.S. will respond."

The White House on Sunday promised retaliation by a "mighty giant" awakened by the world's worst terror acts as New Yorkers looked to God and Wall Street to help them recover from attacks that reduced the World Trade Center to rubble.

The bush administration pledged to avenge the attacks by hijacked airliners that ploughed into the Trade Center's twin towers and the Pentagon near Washington, but warned the fight could be long and difficult. The White House said well-heeled Saudi-born exile Osama bin Laden was its chief suspect.

ASEAN groups Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Brunei, Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos and Vietnam. 10-38-13.H26