No End In Sight As South Thai Rebellion Enters Fifth Year

[jumnien]

Well, the Muslim-led military junta certainly did a lot to bring peace to the South. I'm sure the pro-junta apologists have all sorts of data to showcase all the progress in the last 15 months.

[Jai Dee]

Army finds classified documents belinging to state agencies in insurgent computers

Army Spokesman General Akara Tiparot (อัคร ทิพยโรจน์) commented that the army is treating the Southern situation of unrest delicately as he stated all actions by the military have direct effects on the local population. He stated that situation has also become increasingly complex.

General Akara also revealed that in a recent seizing of insurgent property the army discovered computers that contained confidential government documents. The army has thus launched an investigation and contacted related agencies to decipher how the documents were intercepted by the insurgents.

The documents were linked to specific government officers and the military has thus begun its investigation as to whether the officers submitted the information to ill-wishers or if the files were stolen.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2008

[geriatrickid]

NRC's recommendations on 5 June 2006[6]. Among them were

* Introducing Islamic law

Long-term measures:

* Allow Sharial Law.

Think the above would only have perpetuated the problems. Not wanting to get into a religious argument here or insult anyone's beliefs, but I don't think alot of modern muslims would have been keen on that as it would have eroded their civil liberties. It's like imposing eclesiatical laws on Christians or Rabbincal law on jews. Looking at my friends with origins from the 3 religions, I think they'd have conniptions if someone proposed that. No place for religious law in a somewhat secular state. Although Buddism is the official religion, none of my friends ever prosyletizes me. It would have been a shame to lose that aspect of Thailand.

[Gary A]

Some people refuse to accept that you can't negotiate with lunatics and terrorists. I would hope to see some improvement after the new government is set up. The military government has spent ail the time in control trying to justify a coup. (And failed). Perhaps now they can spend some time stabilizing the security of the country.

[wintermute]

Some people refuse to accept that you can't negotiate with lunatics and terrorists. I would hope to see some improvement after the new government is set up. The military government has spent ail the time in control trying to justify a coup. (And failed). Perhaps now they can spend some time stabilizing the security of the country.

Is it any surprise? The junta could barely hold the economic side of things together and people expected them to deal with a protracted bloody insurgency? Heh. Ironically, Thaksin DID deal with it.

[younghusband]

So then, a simple request to provide verification for a huge and suspicious assumption that is stated goes unverified.

It could have simply been answered with a brief "no," but instead it's dragged out over an entire day of lengthy posts... with the end result being "no."

There is no "key point" other than the statement above *in bold red* that was questioned. If a clarification for any otther key point was sought, it would have been asked.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions.

I think you are getting into painful contortions on this point.Let's make it easy and accept for the sake of argument that there is no available evidence for the specific request you made.Satisfied now?

For those more interested in facts than non-substantive debating points, there is unequivocal evidence -which I don't think anyone denies -that both Prem and Thaksin refused to countenance Yawi as an official working language in the South.

[Briggsy]

The BBC currently has the ambush and killing of 8 Thai soldiers as its no. 2 story.

[wintermute]

The BBC currently has the ambush and killing of 8 Thai soldiers as its no. 2 story.

Losing 8 soldiers in a single firefight?? hel_l, those are Iraq numbers right there. Gee, maybe instead of buying expensive fighter jets they could beef up manpower, training, and equipment of anti-insurgent forces..ya think?

[sriracha john]

So then, a simple request to provide verification for a huge and suspicious assumption that is stated goes unverified.

It could have simply been answered with a brief "no," but instead it's dragged out over an entire day of lengthy posts... with the end result being "no."

There is no "key point" other than the statement above *in bold red* that was questioned. If a clarification for any otther key point was sought, it would have been asked.

Thank you for your invaluable contributions.

I think you are getting into painful contortions on this point.Let's make it easy and accept for the sake of argument that there is no available evidence for the specific request you made.Satisfied now?

For those more interested in facts than non-substantive debating points, there is unequivocal evidence -which I don't think anyone denies -that both Prem and Thaksin refused to countenance Yawi as an official working language in the South.

So then, the answer is a "no".... pity it took six days to get something that should have taken six minutes, but better late than never.

[Jai Dee]

Tight security in restive South after 39 injuries from explosion in Yala

The southern border province of Pattani is implementing intensive security measures in different public places after an unidentified insurgent detonated a bomb in the middle of a marketplace in the neighboring province of Yala this morning (January 15th), resulting in 39 injuries. Five of them however are in serious condition.

The officials in Pattani have set up security checkpoints along the provincial border, as they are concerned that the culprits may enter the province to create mishaps again.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

39 injuries, including 3-year-old girl, from bombing in Yala

The bombing incident in the marketplace of Yala province this morning (January 15th) has led to at least 39 injuries, in which five of them are seriously wounded. One of the injured victims is a three-year-old girl named Natrika Muangfai (ณัฐริกาเมืองฝ้าย). The young girl has shrapnel wounds in her abdomen, but she is now in safe hands.

According to the police investigation, the unidentified perpetrator parked a motorcycle with an explosive device in front of a food vendor. The bomb was triggered by a mobile phone after the culprit shortly left the scene. In addition, the bomber knew where the closed circuit television (CCTV)'s wire was located in the market place and later decided to cut off its wire prior to the detonation.

The police believed the insurgent was attempting to create another unrest situation in the violence-plagued South.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 15 January 2008

[ClaytonSeymour]

From the BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7188654.stm

[lopburi3]

dpa

Yala - Southern militants detonated a bomb planted on a stolen motorcycle parked near Yala's popular morning market on Tuesday morning, injuring 37 civilians, six critically.

The explosion occurred at 6:40 am when the market was crowded with food vendors and early-morning shoppers, said Yala Police Colonel Poomphet Phiphatphetpoom.

((Continues))

http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/tops...s.php?id=125150

[seonai]

When will all this end it reminds me of Northern Ireland

[LaoPo]

The BBC currently has the ambush and killing of 8 Thai soldiers as its no. 2 story.

Yes, I read that but thought it was posted already. It seems such news is not posted in the 'News' section anymore; everyone is getting 'used' to that kind of news, like the killings in Iraq and Afghanistan...the horrible situation in Africa; I could go on.....

But, it's also understandable. Our brain is not capable of coping with death and destruction every single minute of every single day.

Ambush kills eight Thai soldiers

Monday, 14 January 2008

Eight Thai soldiers have been killed by suspected Muslim separatist rebels in the violence-hit south, according to an army spokesman.

The soldiers were on escort duty in Narathiwat province, which borders Malaysia, when the ambush took place.

The attack was one of the deadliest in the current conflict in the south, where separatist rebels are fighting for an Islamic state.

More than 2,700 people have died since the violence escalated in early 2004.

School escort

The attack in Narathiwat took place around 0940 (0240 GMT) as the soldiers returned after escorting schoolteachers to work.

Police say a roadside bomb exploded as the soldiers drove past.

Attackers then shot dead survivors as they tried to escape.

Officials say one soldier was beheaded, and one report quotes an army spokesman as saying attempts were apparently made to behead the others too.

Militants have targeted teachers in the past, perceiving them as a symbol of domination by the Thai state, and so soldiers now provide an armed escort.

Two other soldiers escorting teachers were wounded in a separate clash in neighbouring Yala province.

Rebels also disrupted the mobile phone network in the region by attacking transmission towers.

Over the years there has been periodic unrest in the Muslim-majority provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Songkhla and Pattani, annexed a century ago by mainly-Buddhist Thailand.

But in January 2004, a raid on an army depot marked the start of a new level of insurgency.

Last year, US-based group Human Rights Watch warned that the violence was turning increasingly brutal, with the majority of victims innocent civilians.

Critics accused overthrown prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra of exacerbating the unrest with a tough stance towards the rebels.

Since the military coup of 2006, officials have offered talks and a softer approach from the security forces. But this has failed to reduce the violence, with attacks occurring on an almost daily basis.

The BBC's Jonathan Head, reporting from Bangkok, says the rebels have a powerful hold over much of the ethnic Malay community in southern Thailand.

He says the increasing savagery of their attacks has now created a chasm of mistrust between Muslims and Buddhists in the south which the authorities will find hard to bridge.

http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7186501.stm

LaoPo

[Huey]

Annex a people with their own culture traditions, religion and langue and make a piss poor attempt at assimilation and this is what you get. In America the thieves (eruopean colonists) just killed the people for the most part and only gave them quater when they gave up their faith in favor of the white man's christianity and forgo their traditions. This lead to their eventual destruction by assimilation. Now their are just a minute fraction of the orginal indigionus population left in the US and so many tribes have been totally eradicated.

Its only been 100 years thats not long, thats like your grand father talking to you about when his father was young they had their own nation now they are second class citizens in their own land. If Thailand wants to end this problem they either need to kill them or set up a reservation system that is allowed to govren it's self in a small area in southren Thailand and assist in relocating out Thais (Not Patani). Then they can do their thing too themselves and Thailand dosn't loose the face of giving up land to anyone.

And as far as Islam not being the religion of peace as someone noted in the 2nd or 3rd comment. Please if Islam isn't what is? Christianity? HAHAHAHAHA! Judisim???? LOL!!!!!! All the Abrehamic religions have a sick rap sheet of aporent crimes against humanity that all of the eastren religions combined couldn't hold a candle too.

[Seneque]

When will all this end it reminds me of Northern Ireland

Not before a famous tourist or bangkok hotel/resort is blown up, unfortunately...

The huge 'strong' army in Thailand with all their generals had an opportunity to show their wit ... but all it comes down to is that they are just good at 'coup d'etat' and absolutely nothing else purposeful.

[Jai Dee]

Clash between insurgents and army resulted in 3 injuries

The southern insurgents triggered a bomb near a bridge in tambon Pratae in Yaha district of Yala province. After the blast, the perpetrators opened fire at the security forces. The shooting between the culprits and the soldiers took about 10 minutes.

The clash caused led to three injured officers, and they are now being treated at a local hospital in Yaha district.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

Army Commander says Southern policy will not change amidst more violence

The Royal Thai Army Commander-in-Chief, Gen. Anupong Paochinda (อนุพงษ์ เผ่าจินดา), commented to the press that recent escalations in violent insurgent activity against the military in the South will not prompt a change in policies. General Anupong stated that the army is not required alter its policy for every anomalous incident that occurs.

The Army Commander referred to two recent events, the first leaving 8 soldiers dead in Narathiwat province, and the second leaving 3 injured in Yala province. General Anupong said that before the incidents the army policy of faith building within communities that was instated in November of last year was showing positive improvements.

General Anupong asked that citizens understand the sacrifice of military personnel and continue to show their support. He said that the army is continually trying to sustain the level of morale for Southern troops.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[Jai Dee]

PM says Southern situation cannot yet be evaluated

Prime Minister and Minister of Interior General Surayud Chulanont revealed that he has instructed local police and internal security officials in the nations South to closely monitor insurgent activity. He has asked that all agencies focus on ensuring safety to citizens as well as processing arrested insurgents.

General Surayud commented that recent violent activity from insurgents against the army in the South has made it difficult to give a clear evaluation of the situation at the moment. The Prime Minister admitted that as insurgent activity has become sporadic in the past months, he can not yet give an opinion on the success of policies and actions in the region.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 16 January 2008

[TAWP]

Anand finally submitted the NRC's recommendations on 5 June 2006[6]. Among them were

* Introducing Islamic law

* Making ethnic Pattani-Malay (Yawi) as a working language in the region

* Establishing an unarmed peacekeeping force

* Establishing a Peaceful Strategic Administrative Centre for Southern Border Provinces

/../

* Allow Sharial Law.

* Promote and respect cultural and social diversity.

Yeah, it has worked so great in all countries that have introduced that. And I'm talking from the perspective of the people now...

Sharia Law is about turning the clock back 700 years and enhancing the leaders grip over the people...

[wintermute]

Anand finally submitted the NRC's recommendations on 5 June 2006[6]. Among them were

* Introducing Islamic law

* Making ethnic Pattani-Malay (Yawi) as a working language in the region

* Establishing an unarmed peacekeeping force

* Establishing a Peaceful Strategic Administrative Centre for Southern Border Provinces

/../

* Allow Sharial Law.

* Promote and respect cultural and social diversity.

Yeah, it has worked so great in all countries that have introduced that. And I'm talking from the perspective of the people now...

Sharia Law is about turning the clock back 700 years and enhancing the leaders grip over the people...

What do you mean Sharia Law is turning the clock back 700 years? The countries that have instituted Sharia never made it out of the 700 year past to begin with.

[TAWP]

Anand finally submitted the NRC's recommendations on 5 June 2006[6]. Among them were

* Introducing Islamic law

* Making ethnic Pattani-Malay (Yawi) as a working language in the region

* Establishing an unarmed peacekeeping force

* Establishing a Peaceful Strategic Administrative Centre for Southern Border Provinces

/../

* Allow Sharial Law.

* Promote and respect cultural and social diversity.

Yeah, it has worked so great in all countries that have introduced that. And I'm talking from the perspective of the people now...

Sharia Law is about turning the clock back 700 years and enhancing the leaders grip over the people...

What do you mean Sharia Law is turning the clock back 700 years? The countries that have instituted Sharia never made it out of the 700 year past to begin with.

While your irony is striking, it's not completely correct. Many of the countries under Sharia Law has had much more progressive systems in the past or up until recently. And other countries are under the escalation of extremism going to institute it. Malaysia being one of them.

[Scott]

In the past few months the level of nationalism seems to have increased--this includes the wearing of certain colors, the command about what to wear during the mourning period etc. I am sure that some of this--I am referring to the nationalistic side of it, not the respect for the Royal family side, helps to further alienate the people in the South.

[OlRedEyes]

Until Thailand relinquishes its claim to sovereignty over the Southern provinces the violence will continue.

This remark is utter nonsense; nobody in his right mind is #really# hung up on an issue where even the grandparents have no real-life experience any more. This was 1902 for gods sake!

As much as I have absolutely no respect left for religion overall, and Muslims in particular, I have to point out that one of the worst things that the west have done is the arbitrary drawing of borders when they ruled in Africa and Asia, only considering their own interests. Peoples were divided and split into different countries, setting the scene for never-ending conflict everywhere.

Most of the world unfortunately try to cling to the past, it is in most cases all they have.... (recognized by a obsession with culture of the past, not a developing culture for the present and future) How to solve the problem I cannot see, it will go on world-wide until something more serious overwhelms it. Unfortunately, that is in the not-too-distant future.

Edited January 17, 2008 by OlRedEyes

[Gravelrash]

The south is an islamic insurgency to form an islamimic state. Regardless of the stupidity of Iraq, or how African colonies were poorly sliced up, or the barbarism of Christianity 500 years ago, none of this justifies defending fanatics who main and kill "in the name of their version of God". Apologising for these atrocities or justifying it s an insult to the murdered. It is always "society is to blame", or poverty in the middle east. Where does that enormous oil revenue go, to non-muslims? Is it being shared around the faithful?

Who are the moderate islamimists in Thailand or elsewhere standing up to the extremists trying to defend their religions deplorable reputation? How many "moderates" really critisize the extremists? Why do you suppose that is? In fact the greatest defenders seem to be the west..."we have caused it all, you must not upset the islamists, lets change our laws and culture to allow minority extremists with diverse views to ours to be accommodated". Accommodate, accommodate, give way, change. Why do we need a medieval foreign culture shoved down the throats of a modern society that has built its culture and society without the help or input of these people. They enjoy the fruits of our societies succees, a right to any immigarnt who adopts their host nation, not compromises and endagers it. Muslim immigration was welcomed to many countries, and what has been the contribution to the host society?

If you want to live in Thailand then adapt to their culture and society. (Chistian Missionaries go home too.) Why does the west, especially Europe, see any need to accommodate this foreign barbaric ideology. Crusades aside why does everyone forget the Moorish invasions of Europe that were eventually defeated by arms. Where is Charlton Hestons' El Cid and Vlad the Impaler when you need them. And to the disgrace of those who died resisting it long ago, now acception of islamification by stealth? Vlad did have a way of dealing with islamists that proved quite effective, the worse scenario is that this all goes far enough unchecked that this type of extreme brutal response is what does happen.

[Jai Dee]

Thailand Claims Al Qaeda Funding Muslim Separatists

Thailand's army-installed government Friday for the first time claimed that international terror network Al Qaeda is funding Islamic separatists in the country's southernmost provinces.

"The situation has intensified recently because they received money from overseas, from the international terror organization Al Qaeda," government spokesman Chaiya Yimvilai told reporters.

"There are also local drug traffickers involved in both financial support and buying arms for militants," he said.

The remarks were a sharp reversal of Thailand's long-held stance that the four-year conflict along the southern border with Malaysia is an entirely domestic problem with no formal links to global Islamic extremists.

He spoke at the end of a week of grisly attacks in the Muslim-majority provinces, where more than 2,800 people have died since the rebellion began in January 2004.

Separatist rebels killed eight Thai soldiers in Narathiwat on Monday and tried to decapitate them, while at least 37 people were injured Tuesday when a bomb exploded at a morning market in Yala.

Killings have grown more frequent and more brutal since the military seized power in a bloodless coup in September 2006, despite a raft of peace efforts by the current government.

Chaiya said the militants have stepped up their attacks in a show of force, and to exploit security gaps resulting from a recent troop rotation.

"Violence will continue because there are many factors, including corrupt local officials in uniform, with both local and national politicians involved," he said.

Source: AFP - 18 January 2008

[geriatrickid]

Thailand Claims Al Qaeda Funding Muslim Separatists

glad to see that the government reads my posts a nd agrees............

2008-01-07 11:13:46

Post #16

[sriracha john]

13 arrested for allegedly ambushing and killing 8 soldiers

Narathiwat - Thirteen suspects were arrested Friday morning in three villages for allegedly taking part in the ambush that killed eight soldiers on Monday.

About 500 soldiers, police and Interior Ministry officials raided and searched three villages in Tambon Dusongyor in Chanae district at 5 am. The searches lasted about 4 hours and the 13 suspects were arrested.

The security officials also seized 17 sets of evidence, including equipments for making remote-controlled bombs.

They were taken to the army base in Pattani for interrogations.

- The Nation

[LaoPo]

SOUTH

800 people killed last year

2.800 in last 4 years

Little progress on Thai militants

Thailand's military-backed government has made little progress in tackling Islamic insurgents in the country's restive south, officials have admitted.

The generals who overthrew elected leader Thaksin Shinawatra in 2006 made tackling the separatism a priority.

They took a more conciliatory approach - but last year about 800 people were killed, more than in any previous year.

The BBC's Jonathan Head in Bangkok says the government appears to be shaken by recent bold attacks by the militants.

A group of Thai soldiers were attacked last week in an ambush that left eight dead - one of whom was beheaded.

Initially Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont dismissed it as a routine attack.

But officials now acknowledge the government's failure to win the co-operation of the mainly Malay population in the deep south, who are believed to give at least tacit support to the insurgents.

"We made great progress on military operations last year, but our efforts with the people remained static," government spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai said.

Bold and brutal

Continues here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7195598.stm

LaoPo