Thai Muslim south braced for referendum violence

Sat Aug 18, 2007 3:00PM IST

By Surapan Boonthanom

YALA, Thailand (Reuters) - Police and troops in Thailand's rebellious Muslim south have beefed-up security ahead of Sunday's constitutional referendum, fearing rebels will sabotage the polls in retaliation for the arrests of dozens of Muslim suspects.

The number of police guarding polling stations has been increased and security forces have been reassigned to escort election officials in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces, where more than 2,500 people have been killed in near-daily violence since 2004.

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in.reuters.com

Insurgents attack polling station in South

Insurgents opened fire onto a polling unit in Rueso district of Narathiwat on Saturday afternoon, injuring a soldier stationing there.

The attack came one day before voters cast their votes on a draft constitution at a national referendum.

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(BangkokPost.com)

15,000 soldiers deployed prior to poll

Fourth army commander deployed 15,000 soldiers to strengthen security in the southernmost provinces to prepare for a national referendum on a draft charter on Sunday.

Fourth army deputy commander Kasikorn Kirisri said the deployed soldiers will step up security in the insurgency-plagued provinces non-stop on the voting day to prevent insurgents from staging violent activities.

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bangkokpost.com