Several Bombs Rocks Southern Thailand

[kmart]

Long complicated and convoluted story down there. But there is also a lot of criminal and extortion racketeering against local businesses in the South also. Malaysia may or may not have some complicity in all this, but one way to tell if the insurgency is all about militant Islam would be for the security forces to dip their bullets in pig fat, and bury dead terrorists in a pit with pig's entrails. Gen. Jack Pershing arrested Islamic violence in the S. Philippines immediately with this method.

[endure]

Long complicated and convoluted story down there. But there is also a lot of criminal and extortion racketeering against local businesses in the South also. Malaysia may or may not have some complicity in all this, but one way to tell if the insurgency is all about militant Islam would be for the security forces to dip their bullets in pig fat, and bury dead terrorists in a pit with pig's entrails. Gen. Jack Pershing arrested Islamic violence in the S. Philippines immediately with this method.

And mere rumours of this kind of behaviour provoked the Indian Mutiny in 1857.

[Scott]

Historical and cultural differences are at the root of the problem. Religion is simply an accelerant to the flames. But to those who think there is an easy solution, there isn't. Many of the Muslims that are killed are done so for either cooperating with the gov't or for not cooperating with the insurgents. As I understand it, the separatists, already fund some of their activities with a "tax" of sorts. Those who don't pay are likely to get killed, homes burned and probably even Mosques of imams who don't tow the line.

There are probably thousands of innocent people who want nothing to do with either side, but are truly caught in the middle.

[bino]

It is going to take someone very ... functional to do what is right here and give back to Malaysia what belongs to Malaysia (since those people are from there).

Malaysia isn't asking for it back.

Too right...

Imagine if another independent, unfriendly and uncooperative country was formed between Thailand and Malaysia. This would create a coast to coast barrier in overland trade routes for southeast Asia. Neither Thailand nor Malaysia will ever let this happen.

[LivinLOS]

removed.. cant be bothered to argue

Edited February 19, 2007 by LivinLOS

[george]

Update:

Death toll rises to eight in Thai separatist attacks

YALA: -- The death toll in coordinated separatist attacks that have rocked Thailand's Muslim south has risen to eight, with 45 people injured, officials said Monday.

Three people were killed in shootings and five others in bombings during 12 hours of violence across the region along Thailand's southern border with Malaysia, provincial officials told AFP.

Some 45 people were injured in the spree of shootings, bombings and arson attacks that began late Sunday and continued early Monday with a fresh bomb blast, the officials said.

At least 25 people remained in hospital, they added.

-- AFP 2007-02-19

[george]

Surayud to hold urgent meeting of security officers

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will hold an urgent meeting of security agencies at 11 am to discuss the latest bomb attacks in the southern border provinces.

The meeting will be held at the Internal Security Operations Command.

-- The Nation 2007-02-19

[HenryB]

Mosques were burned? What do these people want exactly? Killing Muslims as well as Buddhists while also burning their own mosques...

Do you think it could be that Israel is behind this as they would like to take over Southern Thailand? This way Israel will get a cheap source of Rain water for the desert.

Cheap remark Henry B! Why don't you give your opinion!

Who's behind it? What do they want?

No one knows, do we?

My feeling is that you known nothing about international affairs the only thing you known about is balloons in front of bars. Wake up I am smart and rich and known everything. Just ask my wife.

[PeaceBlondie]

Several posts which bashed Islam, and called mosques 'hellholes' and similar (and the posts which quoted those diatribes) have been removed, in accordance with forum rules, such as

3) Religious or racial slurs....will not be tolerated.

You can condemn the violence, talk about Muslim leadership of the insurgency, and criticize leadership. But when in doubt about damning a religion, check the rules. Thank you. These are difficult times.

[OlRedEyes]

Several posts which bashed Islam, and called mosques 'hellholes' and similar (and the posts which quoted those diatribes) have been removed, in accordance with forum rules, such as

3) Religious or racial slurs....will not be tolerated.

You can condemn the violence, talk about Muslim leadership of the insurgency, and criticize leadership. But when in doubt about damning a religion, check the rules. Thank you. These are difficult times.

The last 2000 years have been 'difficult times'. Most of which can be traced back to some religion or other. Isn't it high time to call a spade a spade and get these fanatics outta our hair?

[dominique355]

In all these years of terrorism in the South, has there ever been an arrest? Has the Police or the Military ever identified a terrorist, even a suspect? If my memory is correct, not one single terrorist has ever been found, arrested, prosecuted and sentenced. Why?

[Jai Dee]

Unrest in Yala is under control

The Deputy Governor of Yala, Mr. Kritsada Boonrat, said late last night that the officials were able to put the unrest situation in the province under control. Security officials have been deployed in different places to reinforce public safety, and public members have been asked to stay in their residences for the time being.

Mr. Kritsada traveled to Yala Hospital last night to see the patients who were wounded by the bombings in the province. He said the bombings last night were not as severe as the unrest situation in July 2006. He also turned down the rumor that there was a group of teenagers who rode motorcycles and created turbulence in Yala, similar to the situation in Pattani province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Yala governor lays 4 measures to prevent future unrest incidents

The Yala governor will be laying down 4 measures to prevent future unrest incidents, while more than 5,000 local community members will be gathering in protest of insurgent activities.

Yala governor, Theera Minthrasak (ธีระ มินทราศักดิ์ ), said that new security measures would be developed to boost the confidence of local residents following recent mass bombings in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. The measures include close monitoring of intelligence by local officials to conduct counter insurgency operations, as well as heightened secuirty on government buildings, public locations, entertainment venues, and economic districts. Mr. Theera said that measures would also include an increase in local volunteer security forces, and appeals for public cooperation in reporting suspicious activities to authorities.

The Yala governor added that more than 5,000 religious leaders, community heads, and citizen groups in the province are planning to gather at the Yala Rajabhat (ราชภัฏยะลา ) University to voice their opposition to insurgent activities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Entertainment venues and convenience stores in Yala closed following mass bombing

Entertainment venues and convenience stores throughout Yala province have been closed due to security concerns following a mass bombing attack in the provincial center.

Yala officials report the closure of all entertainment venues and the majority of convenience stores in Yala province following a mass bombing attack in the southern border provinces. Authorities said that all tourists and travelers visiting entertainment venues have returned to their lodgings. A bombing was also reported in the karaoke room of the Yala Grand Palace Hotel, but no injuries resulted as the area was closed at the time.

Yala officials added that a shootout occured between police and insurgents at Ban Libong Baru (ลิบงบารู) in the Yala muang district. Reports for the incident are pending. Insurgents also burned a school in Ban Tha Bung Ngoh (ท่าบุงโงะ), Raman (รามัน) district.

Authorities will be conducting investigations of all these incidents and deploying security countermeasures to ensure public safety.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Army Chief deploys reinforcements to southern border provinces

The Commander in Chief of the Army is deploying reinforcements to supplement operation units following a wave of bombings in the southern border provinces.

The Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkrin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), reported that the bombings which occured in the 4 southern provinces late last night (February 18) were concentrated in town areas. Gen Sonthi said that the police were responsible for these districts, adding that military reinforcements would be deployed to assist local officers. Gen Sonthi voiced his confidence that the situation would be brought under control rapidly.

The Chairman of the NSC reported that the army had received intelligence indicating that insurgents were planning a mass strike and preventive measures had therefore been laid out beforehand. Gen Sonthi admitted monitoring all areas was a difficult task. He added that a curfew need not be declared at this time as local officials would be able to bring the situation under control.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Army Spokesperson affirms southern situation under control following wave of bombings

The Army Spokesperson affirms that local officials are in control of the situation following a spate of bombings in 4 southern provinces.

The Army Spokesperson, Col Ak Thiparote (อัคร ทิพโรจน์), affirms that authorities have taken control of the situation in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla provinces following a wave of bombings late last night (February 18). Investigative teams have secured the crime scenes to collect evidence while local residents have been evacuated to safer locations. Col Ak cautioned citizens from touching suspicious objects, and to report them to authorities at the 24 hour hotline numbers 1881 or 1341.

The Army Spokesperson also asked local residents to carry their identification cards and vehicle registration whenever traveling, and to keep their children at home when possible. Col Ak revealed that the latest death toll as of 11:30 PM on February 18 is 2 in Yala, 3 in Pattani, and 1 in Narathiwat. 4 residents were also critically injured in Songkhla and 49 total injuries have been reported in all 4 provinces.

Meanwhile provincial Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) offices are meeting to formulate a strategic response to the bombings and to ensure the safety of local citizens until the situation returns to normal.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Permanent Secretary for Public Health reveals latest death toll in southern border provinces

The Permanent Secretary for Public Health reported on the death toll from the recent mass bombings in the southern border provinces.

Medical Doctor Prat Boonyawongwirote (ปราชญ์ บุณยวงศ์วิโรจน์), revealed that the Yala provincial hospital has 22 wounded patients from the recent mass bombings in the southern border provinces. 11 patients have been admitted for inpatient care, and the rest have been treated and allowed to return to their homes. MD Prat said that 9 injuries, and 3 fatalities were reported at Betong (เบตง) district hospital, while 21 injuries and 1 fatality were reported at the Su-ngai Kolok (สุไหงโก-ลก) district hospital. A total of 5 patients are also undergoing intensive surgery in Yala province.

The Permanent Secretary for Public Health added that a total of 62 bomb blast patients, 4 fatalities, and 1 severe injury have been logged in Narathiwat province in various hospitals.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

23 bombings in Yala last night

The 23 bomb blasts in Yala province last night (Feb 18) injured 26 people and killed one.

17 bombings occurred in Muang Yala Municipality, but officials were able to salvage three of them. Six other bombings happened in Betong district. Following the horrific incidents, officials told the local people to return home quickly to facilitate their investigation and the capture of the southern insurgents.

Meanwhile, the Internal Security Operation Command sent helicopters to survey the areas in Muang district of Yala to boost the morale of officials. Special armed forces have also been dispatched to hunt down the culprits.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Insurgencies in 3 districts of Songkhla

Southern insurgents created turbulence in three districts of Songkhla province, including Chana, Saba Yoi, and Thepha.

Songkhla Governor Sonthi Techanan said four unrest events occurred in Chana where the insurgents burned down two public phone booths and two passenger lounges. In Saba Yoi, the culprits created explosive noises, incinerated car tires, and sprinkled nails along the roads. In addition, the ill-intentioned people attempted to shoot a janitor in Thepha, but no one was injured.

He said the officials are keeping a close watch of the unrest situation in Songkhla.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

DPM Pridiyathorn meets with internal security agencies to gauge economic impact of bombings

The Deputy Prime Minister said that internal security policy would determine whether the recent mass bombings in the southern border provinces would affect the nation's economy.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakul (ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล ), said that Prime Minister Surayud Chulanon has called a meeting of internal security officials at 11:00 AM today (February 19) to evaluate the impact of the recent mass bombing in the 4 southern border provinces. The meeting will be held at the Internal Security Operations Command headquarters. M.R. Pridiyathorn said that officials would focus on gauging the economic impact of the bombings.

The Director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, Mr. Pranai Suwanarat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัฐ ), also met with the Deputy Prime Minister, but has so far refused to comment on the bombing attacks. The Deputy Prime Minister also addressed the incident in which the Commander in Chief of the Army, Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkrin, said that Thailand would take back satellites purchased by Singapore. M.R. Pridiyathorn asked for additional time to review relevant reports before commenting on the incident.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Bombing in Yala results in Ranger fatality

Insurgents bombed the residence of a Ranger from the 41st Ranger Regiment, causing 1 fatality.

At 7:45 AM this morning (February 19), a bombing was reported at the Old Market community in the Yala muang area. The deputy commander of the Yala provincial police, Pol Col Narasak Chiangsuk (นราศักดิ์ เชียงสุข), led a response unit to investigate the crime scene. Police report that Col Prasarn Nakthang (ประสาน นาคทั่ง), a local Ranger officer of the 41st Ranger Regiment from WangPhaya (วังพญา) base, was found dead at the scene and a local bystander was slightly wounded by flying shrapnel.

Witnesses report that Col Prasarn was about to depart from his residence when he found a plastic bag in front of his gate. The bag apparently contained a bomb which exploded as the Colonel was picking it up. Investigators believe the incident to be part of a series of bombing perpetuated by insurgents.

Meanwhile authorities report that general conditions in the Yala muang district remain normal following mass bombings last night (February 18). Bomb sites remain closed off, while many fuel stations are also shut down after officials discovered explosives planted near fuel pumps.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Public Health Ministry to pay for all medical treatments from bomb incident last night

Minister of Public Health Md. Mongkol na Songkla (มงคล ณ สงขลา) has instructed medical teams to tend to victims of violence in the four southern border provinces, while announcing that Public Health Ministry will be responsible for all medical expenses.

Md. Mongkol has assigned all local hospitals to tend to all patients from last night's bomb blasts. The total injury stand at 59, adding that two of them have been admitted to the ICU.

According to Medical Doctor Prat Boonyawongwirote (ปราชญ์ บุณยวงศ์วิโรจน์), Permanent Secretary for Public Health, he has called for more donation of blood at the Thai Red Cross, to help victims whom have lost blood after the blast. He said that 50 blood bags are distributed to the three southernmost provinces every day; however, he expressed belief that the amount of blood collected may not be adequate to assist patients from last night's incident.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM joins the meeting to seek way to handle rising insurgency in deep south

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont has arrived at the office of Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) to discuss with the Commander in Chief of the Army and Chairman of the Council for National Security (CNS), Gen Sonthi Boonyaratkrin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), on the series of the explosions in the deep South.

At 11.00 hours, the premier has reportedly arrived at the ISOC office to voice concern on the explosion at schools in the four southern border provinces, which are Yala (ยะลา), Narathiwat (นราธิวาส), Pattani (ปัตตานี), and Songkla (สงขลา).

All relevant chiefs operating in the four provinces have also been called upon to attend the meeting. The meeting will touch on all subjects related to the violence in the restive south and will adjust strategies to handle rising insurgency.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

Pattani officials confirm 3 deaths from mass insurgent attacks

Pattani officials have concluded the number of casualties in the province from the recent mass bombings in the southern region.

Pattani governor Panu Uthairat (ภาณุ อุทัยรัตน์ ), revealed that the recent mass attacks in the 4 southern border provinces included bombings, ambushes, and arson, resulting in the deaths of 3 residents in Pattani province. Mr. Panu said that 27 locations in 10 districts have been affected.

The Pattani muang district suffered infrastructure damage from bombings of electricity poles, causing a massive blackout throughout the town area. Businesses were also set ablaze, with 8 showroom automobiles were damaged. In Sai Buri (สายบุรี) district insurgents bombed a military reconnaisance vehicle, but no injuries were incurred. In Panare (ปะนาเระ) district, insurgents fired upon 2 homes, causing 2 fatalities, before setting a vehicle ablaze.

The governor added that businesses, vehicles, and local infrastructure in the 7 other districts of Pattani received similar damage. Mr. Panu confirms 3 fatalities, and millions of baht worth of property damage.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Mid]

Insurgencies in 3 districts of Songkhla

Southern insurgents created turbulence in three districts of Songkhla province, including Chana, Saba Yoi, and Thepha.

Songkhla Governor Sonthi Techanan said four unrest events occurred in Chana where the insurgents burned down two public phone booths and two passenger lounges. In Saba Yoi, the culprits created explosive noises, incinerated car tires, and sprinkled nails along the roads. In addition, the ill-intentioned people attempted to shoot a janitor in Thepha, but no one was injured.

He said the officials are keeping a close watch of the unrest situation in Songkhla.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

these are the 3 SE districts of the province ,

things moving further North .....................................................

[Jai Dee]

Seven injured in new bombing in Pattani

Pattani - Another bomb exploded outside a vehicle showroom here Monday morning, injuring two soldiers, four employees of the showroom and a security officer.

The blast occurred at 10:45 am while police, soldiers and staff of the showroom were inspecting damages at the show room caused by an explosion Sunday night.

Source: The Nation - 19 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Death toll hits nine in Thai separatist attacks

YALA - The death toll in coordinated separatist attacks that have rocked Thailand's Muslim south has risen to nine after a 32-year-old man succumbed to his injuries, officials said Monday.

Three people were killed in shootings and six others in bombings during 12 hours of violence across the region along Thailand's southern border with Malaysia, provincial officials told AFP.

The latest victim was a 32-year-old Thai Muslim, who died in hospital on Monday of injuries suffered in one of the blasts, police said.

Another 44 people were injured in the spree of shootings, bombings and arson attacks that began late Sunday and continued early Monday with a fresh bomb blast, the officials said.

At least 24 people remained in hospital, they added.

Source: The Nation - 19 February 2007

[Jai Dee]

Yala Governor: Trade along Thailand-Malaysia border slightly affected by bomb incident last night

Yala Governor Thira Mintrasak (ธีระ มินทราศักดิ์) conceded that last night's bombing incident has slightly affected the province’s trading activities, especially those along the Thailand-Malaysia border line in Betong (เบตง) District.

A total of 24 thwarted bombs exploded in the province last night. 18 of which took place in Muang Distict and the rest in Betong District. Three bombs were successfully defused. There are 28 injuries, two of which have died while four have been severely hurt. Those who have been slightly injured were allowed to go home.

The governor indicated that trade along the border line in Betong District is likely to be affected at least for a short-term period. However, the province’s export of rubber might not be affected by the bombing as local rubber farmers understand the situation and are still confident in the authority’s ability to bring the situation under control.

Mr Thira said further that from now on, provincial government units in the province have to step up security measures, especially in entertainment venues and restaurants. In addition, officials should persuade local residents to actively participate in resolving the Southern unrest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 19 Febuary 2007

[Jai Dee]

More troops, but no emergency in far south, says CNS chief

Army Commander-in-Chief and Council for National Security chairman Gen. Sonthi Boonyaratglin said more troops will be deployed in far south in response to at least 26 bombings and arson attacks late Sunday.

Six people were killed and more than 50 wounded in the wave of coordinated bombings, arson attacks and murders ever reported across the four southern border provinces of Yala,Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, said army spokesman Col. Akara Thiproj.

While Yala municipality quickly ordered people to stay home in the wake of Sunday night's insurgent bombings and arsons, state authorities responsible for security in the four provinces directly affected in the string of coordinated attacks will not be placed under curfew or a state of emergency.

Gen. Sonthi said security forces are on alert after receiving intelligence reports warning of imminent attacks in the border region but no specific targets were identified. He had ordered troop reinforcement in the area but it is not necessary to declare emergency in the area.

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya told journalists before leaving for the hardest-hit Yala province Monday morning that the government was not wrong in its evaluation of the situation. There have been early warnings about the imminent attacks in the region but the covert operation made it difficult for security personnel to prevent all the attacks.

"It doesn't mean that we cannot control the situation. The attacks has nothing to do with Malaysia's plan to help Thailand mediate with insurgents. There is no need to impose curfew in the region," Mr. Aree said.

Ranging from direct assaults on a police station and the burning of a mosque and several schools, to bombing and burnings of theatres, shopping centres, a golf course and karaoke bars – as well as the apparent targeting of ethnic Thai-Chinese and foreign tourists -- the extent and nature of the incidents is likely to affect the region's tourism, overall economy and public morale.

Source: TNA - 19 February 2007

[slimdog]

Governors of southern border provinces warned of more attacks on Tuesday

Pattani - The governors of southern border provinces have stepped up security in the provincial seats following a warning by intelligence agencies that Muslim separatists would launch another round of coordinated attacks on Tuesday.

Pattani governor Phanu Uthairat said intelligence agencies had warned the provincial administrations that the insurgents would launch another round of coordinated attacks in the provinces on Tuesday.

Phunu said the intelligence agencies warned that the insurgents would focus the attacks on government offices in the provincial seats.

He said the provincial administrations have sought cooperation from local residents not to leave home at night.

source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30027258