JUSTICE Minister Tawee Sodsong travelled to the southern border Narathiwat province today (May 5) to monitor and hold talks on the insurgency in this and Yala and Pattani provinces and find a sustainable solution amid a rise in violent incidents, Amarin TV said.
Maj. Gen. Narong Tantisiriporn, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, along with Mr. Wichai Setthasampan, Pol. Maj. Gen. Maitree Santayakul and security officials from all three branches, military, police, and administrative sectors, attended the meeting.
It was revealed that in 2022 there were 44 violent incidents, in 2023 this added up to 38, in 2024 the total was 39 while so far this year there have been 38 of them. Thai Buddhists, government officials and operational bases are targeted.
Narathiwat has announced a strict increase in security measures throughout the province after Thai Buddhists were attacked in Tak Bai and Chanae districts. All district and relevant agencies were ordered to coordinate with officers in looking after the safety of the people and prevent repeat incidents.
Proactive measures include setting up patrol teams, increasing checkpoints and taking care of risk areas 24 hours a day, especially areas where public activities are held or where a large number of people gather.
Tawee said the government is concerned about the people in southern border provinces and is committed to resolving the unrest systematically.
He emphasised the importance of restoring the morale of the people and strengthening their trust in officers to take care of their safety.
He added that he is ready to listen to everyone’s opinions in solving problems in the area with maximum efficiency.
In the afternoon he went to Wat Sitthisan Pradit and Wat Kok Mamuang to preside over funeral ceremonies for three victims, one of them a nine-year-old girl, who were killed by a gunman opening fire at them in Tak Bai district late last Friday. They were identified as Mr. Daeng Tunasuk, Mr. Damchankong, and Miss Sasitha Chankong.
Meanwhile Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyuraphan called on the government to implement measures to ensure the safety of people in the Far South provinces while condemning the country’s leaders for their alleged indifference to the insurgency there.
In an online post she questioned the government’s seriousness in solving this problem.
“Until now, we have not seen those in the government come out to show responsibility or take measures to build safety for those in the area, even though there have been many violent incidents over the past month till today, starting with the killing of a novice monk, which Thai people find difficult to accept,” she said.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong, right, and police investigating the scene of an attack in the Far South.
Insert: Thai Sang Thai leader Sudarat Keyuraphan . Both photos: Amarin TV
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