Bloody Time Reflects Mounting Insurgency In Thai South

[Mid]

please note that Four (4) provinces are now identified .........................

[Jai Dee]

Southern officials investigate multiple insurgent attacks in Yala province

Authorities report that suspected insurgents bombed electricity poles and schools in Yala province today (June 23).

Earlier today (June 23, 8:30) police from the Yala muang precinct conducted an investigation of sites bombed by insurgents last night (June 22). Authorities report that insurgents bombed high powered electricity towers, burned electricity poles and nearby vehicles in the muang district of Yala province. At approximately the same time last night insurgents in other areas of Yala province set fire to 3 schools, including the Ban Limut School in the Yala muang district, Ban Kameng School in Raman (รามัน ) district, and Ban Bachu School in Yaha (ยะหา ) district. School campuses suffered moderate damage, with 1-2 classrooms damaged at each school.

The Tambon Thaseh (ตาเซะ) Administrative Office was also set ablaze, resulting in minimal damage. Authorities report that insurgents also bombed a tea house in Bannang Sata district of Yala province, resulting in 3 fatalities and 8 injuries. Other insurgent elements operating in Bannang Sata district ambushed and shot security patrols, resulting in injuries to soldiers.

Authorities believe these mass attacks are a sign of retaliation against the government for having arrested more than 30 prominent insurgent members and limiting total insurgent movements in the area.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

4th Army Commander calls meeting between ISOC Region 4’s advisors

The Fourth Army Area Commander, Lt. Gen. Wiroj Buacharun, calls a meeting of advisors to the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 to brainstorm solutions to the southern conflicts.

The advisors include representatives of security units, public relations organizations, economists, socialists, and academics. The meeting will focus on the ending and prevention of violence and measures to deal with protests. It will also find ways to create understanding between residents and state officials as well as people’s participation in the government’s effort to combat the southern insurgency.

The commander reveals that since ISOC Region 4 was restructured, it has appointed experts from various fields to be its advisors in order to share opinions and give advices on the Southern problem. He says ISOC Region 4 is still in need of people’s participation as it has no capacity to take care of all dimensions of the problem.

Lt. Gen. Wiroj adds that the most urgent thing to do is to find measures to tackle protests in the three Southern border provinces and explain the situation to local people as insurgents often deceive and force them to join a protest. He says it is necessary for the authority to be able to tell the difference between each group of demonstrators before deploying measures in line with reconciliation means to disperse them.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 June 2007

[Mid]

4th Army Commander calls meeting between ISOC Region 4’s advisors

one can only hope that the above was written by a junior who needed x amount of words ..............

[Jai Dee]

PM affirms government open to all suggestions for solving southern unrest

The Prime Minister affirmed that government officials are open to all suggestions for solving the southern unrest.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont affirms that the government is putting its full effort into solving the southern unrest, and that the Council for National Security is not intervening in the process due to the political nature of the problem. Thailand's temporary constitution allows the Council for National Security to remove the Prime Minister from his post due to negligence of duty.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud said that he is coordinating closely with national security agencies in addressing the southern insurgency, and that strategy, funding, and personnel are constantly being re-evaluated by himself and the Army Commander in Chief. Gen Surayud affirms that the government is open to any and all constructive suggestions which may aid in alleviating the southern unrest.

Gen Surayud added that it is not yet possible to determine whether the government will be able to reduce the southern insurgency within its 6 month limited working timeframe, though officials will work to ensure that the future administration will be able to carry on its mission.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Muslim World League expresses concern over Thailand's southern violence

The sheikh of Al-Azhar University, Muhammad Say-yid Tantawi, and the secretary-general of the World Muslim League, Abdullah Ibn Abdul Muhsin Atturki, visited earlier visited Pattani to meet Muslim leaders in the region. Muslim World League Secretary General H.E. Dr. Abdullah Ibin Abdul Mohsin Al-Turki and his entourage, have acknowledged the truth of Thailand’s measures to tackle the southern unrest situation.

Muslim World League Secretary General discussed with Minister of Interior Aree Wongarya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ), Permanent Secretary of Interior Phongphayom Wassaphot (พงศ์โพยม วาศภูติ), and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Director Pranai Suwannarat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัฐ) on Thailand’s policy to solve the southern violence.

The solutions of the unrest situation in the restive south are in line with peaceful measures and is aimed at creating a peaceful reconciliation. According to Muslim World League Secretary General, he says the Muslim World League earlier announced Muslims in the deep South and other Muslim organizations not to interfere in the situation. Meanwhile, it has provided assistance, including public health service and financial aid, to Thailand.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 June 2007

[Mid]

that's gotta be as close to a photo-op as you can get without a camera ............

[Jai Dee]

Students in southern schools forced to transfer to safer areas due to insurgent attacks

The Minister of Education reports that southern students studying in high risk areas have been asked to transfer to safer schools.

Minister of Education Wichit Srisa-arn (วิจิตร ศรีสอ้าน) reported that many schools in the southern border provinces have been forced to temporarily close due to insurgent attacks and arson, resulting in many students being deprived of basic education. The Ministry of Education is addressing the problem by transferring 685 students in high risk areas of Rueso (รือเสาะ) district of Narathiwat province, including Ban Supo (บ้านสุโป๊ะ) School, Ban Wiang Raj Upatham School (เวียงราษฎร์อุปถัมภ์ ), Ban Yaraeboh (ยาแลเบาะ) School, and Ban Raharn (บ้านระหาร) School to schools in safer areas.

Schools in Bannang Sata (บันนังสตา) district of Yala province are also facing the same problem, with 486 students forced to transfer to other schools in the Yala muang district. The Minister of Education affirms that authorities will address the problem by installing surveillance cameras and posting additional guards on school campuses.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 June 2007

[Scott]

It's very sad for all the innocent folks--especially for students. Without an education, they are ripe for joining the insurgency.

[Jai Dee]

Deputy Minister of SDHS believes negotiating with insurgents will not solve southern unrest

The Deputy Minister of Social Development and Human Security believes that negotiating with insurgents may not resolve the southern unrest.

Deputy Minister of Social Development and Human Security MD Poldech Pinprateep (พลเดช ปิ่นประทีป) reports that establishing negotiations with insurgent elements in the three southern border provinces may not prove successful and may not be possible due to the large number of victims as a result of insurgent action. MD Poldech believes that insurgent members will fear retribution should they publicly announce their identities.

The deputy minister views that one negotiator will not be sufficient in alleviating the southern unrest, therefore the government should not place too much emphasis on the approach. MD Poldech added that the government should instead expedite the establishment of a special economic development zone in order to bring social, economic, and cultural stability to the three southern border provinces.

The deputy minister believes that Islamic virtues should be a made an integral part of southern special economic development zones.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Southern authorities report more than 100 insurgents arrested during last 4 days

Local southern official reported that more than 100 suspected insurgents were arrested in 4 days following a readjustment in offensive strategy by authorities.

Bannang Sata District-Chief Officer Methee Karnchanaphuwa (เมธี กาญจนภูวะ) reports that, following a strategic readjustment by authorities in securing Bannang Sata district of Yala province, 112 suspected insurgents were surrounded and apprehended, and are currently detained at the Reconciliation Promotion Center in Narathiwat province. Criminal charges have been levied on 30-40 suspects due to excellent forensic work by local officials.

The Bannang Sata District Chief Officer added that insurgents are indiscriminative in their attacks on civilians, and have been shown to attack innocent victims. A recent example is a teahouse bombing which injured 13 people, Muslim-Thais included. Officials believe that the international community are aware of the barbaric nature of southern insurgents and will provide the Thai government with support in efforts to bring about national reconciliation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 27 June 2007

[Mid]

Southern authorities report more than 100 insurgents arrested during last 4 days

whilst the nation continues this type of gutter press reporting , what chance of reconciliation ?

suspected clowns , suspected. Obviously nothing learnt yet .

[Scott]

I think nearly everyone is "suspected" of being involved.

[Jai Dee]

Three bombs in Narathiwat, police detain 24 insurgent suspects

Three bombs exploded at three grocery stores in Narathiwat's provincial seat but fortunately no one was wounded in the bomb attacks.

The three bombs exploded almost simultaneously. Police believe that bombers who targeted the three locations are from the same group because the bomb was built into a milk carton and each was placed on a shelf in three grocery stores.

One store has footage of a bomber recorded in its closed-circuit television camera.

Meanwhile, a combined force of police and military personnnel detained 24 local residents, all for suspicion of involvement in the insurgency during a security sweep conducted on Wednesday morning.

More than 300 security personnel raided more than 20 locations in Sungai Padi district and detained 24 locals for questioning. The officials seized an unregistered gun, ammunition, extinguishers, urea fertiliser, and gunpowder.

Police had earlier detained 51 suspects during raids last weekend and took them for further questioning at a military camp in Pattani.

Source: TNA - 27 June 2007

[Mid]

police detain 24 insurgent suspects

thank-you.

[Jai Dee]

Southern insurgency makes 919 widows, 1,740 orphans

The Deep South unrest had seen the number of widows and orphans rose to 919 widows and 1,740 orphans in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, said the Social Development and Human Security Ministry announced Wednesday.

Social Development and Human Security Ministry permanent secretary Wallop Ploytaptim said the violence in the region had affected people in all aspects of life especially that many families lost their family leaders.

A report of June 5 had found that 919 women in the four southern provinces lost their husband and 1, 740 children (896 girls and 844 boys) became orphans, Wallop said.

Source: The Nation - 28 June 2007

[Scott]

And this creates further economic and social problems that lead to further social instability that leads to.....

[Jai Dee]

PM: Govt expresses willing to negotiate with Southern insurgent groups

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the government is willing to negotiate with the Southern insurgency.

The premier has yet received reports of the progress on how a negotiation can take place. He, however, believes that a talk between two sides will lead to a better understanding. He confirms the government is ready to discuss and hear ideas from agencies with no discriminations.

In response to the Malaysian government’s decision to designate a member from an insurgent group as an advisor of Petronas Company, the premier says the appointment will have no effect between two countries.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Defence Minister says idea of Special Administrative Region in Deep South is not to segregate Thailand

The Ministry of Defence affirms that the idea of a Special Administrative Region in the Deep South is not aimed to segregate the Kingdom of Thailand.

Defence Minister Gen.Boonrawd Somtas (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) says he will clarify his proposal of the designation of the three Southern-most provinces to the general public. He added that that a Special Administrative Region formed by the three Southern Border Provinces will be administered similarly to Bangkok and Pattaya. Gen Boonrawd said that the Special Administrative Region will not become an independent state from the Kingdom.

The minister says further that the idea of a Special Administrative Region is in line with the government’s decentralization of administrative power to provinces across the country. As for a negotiation with the Southern insurgents, the minister says it has progressed well and the authority has acquired some useful information concerning insurgency leaders but it cannot be revealed.

Gen.Boonrawd adds that the ministry has deployed both external and internal mechanisms to tackle the Southern unrest which he believes will be resolved eventually.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 28 June 2007

[TAWP]

Three people were killed and 17 others injured on Wednesday when a bomb exploded in front of a busy food shop in Thailand's insurgency-hit Muslim South.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=0d2_1183041527

[Jai Dee]

Muslim World League Agrees to Thailand’s measures to tackle insurgency

The Interior Minister indicates that the Muslim World League (MWL) voices support in Thailand’s method of tackling insurgency in the three Southern border provinces.

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya says MWL Secretary-General Abdullah Al Turki agrees with Thailand’s solutions to the Southern unrest in line with reconciliation and peaceful means. The secretary-general said MWL is ready to cooperate with Thailand in ending the conflict to bring peace to the region and it will explain the country’s solutions to the insurgency to leaders of Muslim countries around the world.

However, the interior minister adds that the NWL secretary-general did not mention Thai government’s negotiations with the insurgent groups and the arrest of important insurgency leaders as he sees that those are internal problems.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Yala insurgents attempt to create unrest throughout province

Yala insurgents attempted to create unrest in many areas of the provincial center today (June 29).

Earlier today (June 29) forensic officers from the 45th Yala Forensic Division conducted a assessment of a bomb scene in front of the Ban Pizat (บ้านปีซัด) Mosque in the muang district of Yala province. The bomb damaged local buildings, though no fatalities resulted. Investigations revealed that as local residents were conducting religious ceremonies, an unknown number of insurgents on motorbikes hurled and explosive device into the mosque before escaping.

Meanwhile Yala insurgents also loosened fasteners on electricity poles on the 410 Yala-Betong Road in the muang district of Yala province, resulting in 3 electricity poles toppling over and obstructing local roads.

In a separate incident, insurgents ambushed and shot military patrols on the Tohpakoh-Yala (โต๊ะปาเก๊ะ-ยะลา) Road in Raman (รามัน) district of Yala province. A short gunfight ensured before insurgent withdrew. No casualties were reported.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

Insurgents ambush prisoner transfer convoy

Suspected insurgents ambushed a military convoy in Yala province resulting in the accidental shooting of an insurgent suspect in custody.

The Superintendent of the Raman (รามัน) district precinct, Pol Col Wisit Aksornkaew (วิศิษฐ์ อักษรแก้ว), received reports that the 41rst Army Ranger Special Task Force was ambushed on the Thoa Pakae-Yala (โต๊ะปาแกะ – ยะลา) Road in Rama district of Yala province. A combined police, military, and administrative task force immediately rushed to the scene. Authorities discovered an Army Ranger convoy with 1 fatality, later identified as Mr. Zakaria Pa-ohmani (สาการียา ปะโอ๊ะมานิ), a suspected insurgent wanted for questioning by officials.

Investigations revealed that the Army Ranger 41st Special Task Force were transporting Mr. Zakaria to the Bannang Sata precinct for questioning. As the convoy passed through a section of Thoa Pakae-Yala Road, suspected insurgents hidden along the road fired upon passing vehicles, resulting in an exchange of gunfire for approximately five minutes. Mr. Zakaria was later found dead at the scene.

Authorities believe that the attack was an attempt by insurgents to free or silence the suspect.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Jai Dee]

PM admits difficulty in solving southern unrest to Malaysian Foreign Minister

The Prime Minister admits solving the southern unrest by the end of the government's term may be difficult.

Prime Minister Gen Surayud Chulanont reported that a recent discussion with the Malaysian Minister of Foreign Affairs did not involve details of progress made in negotiating with demonstration groups in Sanam Luang due to a similar discussion already conducted with the Malaysian Prime Minister 2-3 months ago. Gen Surayud revealed that a joint meeting will be held between the Thai and Malaysian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to arrive at a conclusion to education, employment training, and employment opprotunities in Thailand.

The Prime Minister affirms that the Malaysian Government have extended their cooperation in assisting Thailand with the southern unrest. Gen Surayud admitted that solving the southern insurgency will require a lot of time, and its is uncertain over whether the issue can be resolved within the current government's working time-frame.

Gen Surayud added that officials will also discuss the issue of residents with dual nationalities.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 June 2007

[Mid]

The Prime Minister admits solving the southern unrest by the end of the government's term may be difficult.

Expected to be on the cover next issue ,

can't help myself , sorry .

[opothai]

PM affirms government open to all suggestions for solving southern unrest

The Prime Minister affirmed that government officials are open to all suggestions for solving the southern unrest.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 24 June 2007

get the special forces or your most intelligent forces to infiltrate and get amongst the insurgents and play them at thier own game.

the longer this is going on the stronger the insurgents [ murderers ] are getting.

[Jai Dee]

Army Spokesman voices support for extension of Emergency Decree in Deep South

Spokesman of the Royal Thai Army Lt.Akara Thiprot (อัคร ทิพย์โรจน์) agrees with the National Security Council’s resolution to extend the Emergency Decree in the three Southern border provinces for another three months.

Lt.Akara says the extended period starting from July – September is expected to help state officials work to their full capacity and more efficiently to reduce insurgent attacks. He also requests local people to support the operation of the officials in their area.

The spokesman adds that the government might need to enforce the Emergency Decree in the Deep South further if the residents are still affected by insurgency.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 03 July 2007

[Jai Dee]

Seven bomb makers nabbed in Thai Muslim south - army

Thai police said on Tuesday they have arrested seven "top bomb makers" in the rebellious Muslim far south and charged them with terrorism.

"This raid has saved a lot of innocent people's lives," said army spokesman Colonel Atthadej Mathanom after a joint police and army raid on a religious boarding school.

Police said the men, aged between 16 and 34, were "top bomb makers" responsible for attacks on infrastructure and troops in Narathiwat, one of three provinces where more than 2,300 people have been killed in three years of separatist insurgency.

Five of the seven were on the wanted list, southern police chief Lieutenant-General Jetnakorn Naphitabhata told Reuters by telephone.

The raid, involving 200 police and soldiers who took two hours to get through a cordon of 700 students around the school on Monday, found gunpowder, wrist watches, batteries, mobile phones and a gas tank, the likes of which are often used in bombs, police said.

The raid followed a report by a villager who found blood stains and shrapnel at his rubber plantation near the school after an overnight explosion, Atthadej said.

Security forces say such schools are recruiting grounds for militants in a region that was an independent sultanate until annexed by overwhelmingly Buddhist Thailand a century ago.

In nearby Pattani province, two militants armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol were shot dead by soldiers while they were planting three bombs made from fire extinguishers under a bridge on Tuesday, police said.

Source: Reuters - 03 July 2007

[Scott]

Getting the top bomb makers is good news -- I hope. Now, let's hope that it isn't a bunch of careless and inexperienced bomb makers who take over.

[Jai Dee]

Army shows progress in Southern insurgency

Army Spokesman Col.Akara Thiprote (อัคร ทิพโรจน์) reports of the the army’s progress in its solutions to the Southern conflict, adding that it has stepped up measures to combat insurgency in many areas in the three Southern border provinces.

Col.Akara who is also the chief of the public relations center of the Civil-Police-Military Combined Force reveals that the government has detained 348 suspects alleged of being involved in insurgency-related activities. In addition, the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 has informed the army that it has a plan to deploy more aggressive strategies to tackle insurgency in the Deep South.

Districts in which ISOC Region 4 will implement the strategies include Bannang Sata (บันนังสตา), Su-ngai Padi (สุไหงปาดี), Cho-airong (เจาะไอร้อง), Muenag Narathiwat (เมืองนราธิวาส), Mueang Yala (เมืองยะลา), and Yarang (ยะรัง).

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 July 2007