Thailand Extends Emergency Decree In Restive South

Thailand extends emergency decree in restive South

BANGKOK: -- The Thai Cabinet Tuesday endorsed the extension of the emegency decree imposed in the three southern border provinces by another three months, according to Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya.

Speaking to journalists after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, Mr. Aree confirmed that the emergency decree affecting the insurgency-affected provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat would be extended by another three months starting from April 20.

It is the sixth extention since the decree has been enacted in July 2005 under the then Thaksin administration.

The executive decree gives the security forces sweeping powers of arrest and detention in the three southern border provinces as well as some parts of Songkhla province, but excluding Hat Yai. It remains in force for three months at a time.

The Interior Minister, who is also Muslim, stated that the emergency decree is vital to facilitate the work of local authorities concerning interrogation, detention and crime prevention.

A report of the National Security Council indicated that the enforcement of the decree plays a crucial role in tackling problems in the Muslim-predominant region, Mr.Aree said, adding that the public supported enforcement of the decree enforcement as they viewed it would cause no negative effect to them.

The previous administration had been criticised for its implementing an iron-fisted policy in the insurgency-plagued region, a policy measure which brought the simmering insurgency closer to a full boil.

Meanwhile, a contingent of 820 troops left the Second Army Region Command in the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima to Pattani Tuesday morning.

Under a one-year assignment, the soldiers are tasked to protect teachers and local villagers amid continuing violence which has seen more than 2,100 people killed over the past three years.

--TNA 2007-04-10