No End In Sight As South Thai Rebellion Enters Fifth Year

[jumnien]

Well, we've had two elected Buddhist governments with a 19-month period of Muslim-led military junta rule. To blame the killings on Buddhist politicians seems very narrow-minded given the high numbers of citizens murdered by Muslim insurgents during the Muslim-led military junta rule. The situation deserves a more in-depth review than merely using it as a pro-military rant.

[Gravelrash]

In the name of God.

I don't know much about how all this started because I have just moved to this country, but I saw the interview of the PM on aljezeera and found his comments about muslims offensive. He blames it on their "physical" and they fell on each other. I can only pray that he changes his attitude, god willing.

I would suspect that God finds misguided fanatics of all faiths offensive, and even more offensive those having the audacity to ascribe His will to their acts of barbarism and so attempt to implicate Him in what is their personal lust for spreading hatred, intolerance or murder.

[Scott]

I very much doubt that there is any one strategy that will work, but one thing I think the country needs to re-think is it's very generic and insidious definition of what it means to be Thai. There is always talk about 'respect' for the people and references to 'our brother's and sisster's in the south', but it is rhetoric only. As far as most people are concerned, their thinking is wrong and their culture is inferior.

It would be nice to see these provinces given some rights to make decisions for themselves. It would be nice to see it encoded somewhere that they can have Muslim holidays, have Friday as their holy day etc.. (if that's what they want). There are a lot of things in the culture and language that need to be acknowledged and accepted. I think then there will be less antagonism and a greater chance of a larger number actually wanting to be a part of Thailand.

Finally, it will take a very real and strong effort to bring about security. Safety is such a very basic need and the lack of it has a devastating effect on people. This means a well-trained military, a well-trained police force and above all a deep and abiding respect for the rights of people--especially people who are innocent and generally this means everyone until they are proven guilty by a court.

[simon43]

We should remember that the Muslims in the southern border areas do not consider themselves to be Thai Muslims, unlike the millions of Muslims who are spread throughout Thailand and are proud to be Thai. In fact, Muslims have played important roles in the development of Thailand for many centuries, (eg the Bunnag family). They have reached the highest levels within Thai governments and advisors to the Royal Family. Here in Phuket, the majority of the local population are Muslim, and live in peaceful harmony with their Buddhist neighbours.

The Muslims in the 3 southern provinces have a historical 'disagreement' with Thailand because - plain and simple - someone moved the border between Thailand and Malaysia so that these 3 provinces came under Thai jurisdiction, as opposed to Malay jurisdiction, (or their previous semi-autonomy). I say 'someone' because as a Brit I have to admit that Britain played a major role in redrawing the border between Thailand and Malaysia. Unfortunatly, no-one bothered to ask the Muslim majority in the region if they were happy to become part of Thailand.

Whether or not today's violence is directly attributed to this historic problem, or whether the terrorists just enjoy killing each other, I cannot comment upon. But what is currently an internal problem could very easily flare up into an international problem. Islamic teaching tells us that Muslims are all brothers and should all help each other. That has left the 'Thai' Muslims in an embarressing position because I don't think that they are all that keen to help their Muslim brothers in southern Thailand. But what if these Malay Muslims ask for assistance from their Muslim brothers further afield? That's when the sh*t will really hit the fan.

Incidentally, according to Islamic teaching, national boundaries should not actually make any difference to the existance of Muslim communities, since Islam transcends national boundaries. So it should not be neccessary to 'fight' for independance of the 3 southern provinces, (which will NEVER happen so long as the country of Thailand exists) Rather, the existance of Islam as a major religion in Thailand should be upheld and proudly proclaimed, alongside Buddhism and other religions.

If Muslims and Buddhists can happily live together in Phuket, the same can occur in the 'deep south'. But it requires a huge change in attitude of Thai Buddhists, the Thai government and even those whom I cannot mention.

Simon

[sriracha john]

PM's recipe for disaster in deep South

Can an institution that believes in torture restore peace to the restive South? The Samak government believes so. Hence its green light for the military to become the region's main economic powerhouse. The rationale: employment and economic growth is crucial to calm local frustrations. But no investor dares risk doing business in a war zone. Since the military is already there, why not make the military do the job? This is a recipe for disaster. Top-down economic and development policies which support environmentally destructive industries and annihilate the way of life of the ethnic Malay Muslims is one of the biggest sources of local fury against the ethnic Thai state. The southern violence needs a viable political solution. Nothing short of political decentralisation and cultural respect will work. Yet, PM Samak Sundaravej denies his political responsibility for making peace happen. He instead insists he will give the military full control of the deep South. Then he allows the military to make money in the meantime. What is on his mind? Is he trying to pass the buck? Is he trying to please the military amid the coup rumours? Is he buying time before his boss finally returns to call the shots himself? Or is it simply because he does not care about the southern Muslims because they did not vote for him? Whatever it is, the southern Muslims are likely to suffer from the violence and the self-proclaimed liberators for a long time to come.

by Sanitsuda Ekachai, Assistant Editor, Bangkok Post

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/27Mar2008_news22.php

[sriracha john]

Back to the bombings while the government decides what to do...

4 soldiers injured in Pattani bombing

Pattani - Four soldiers were injured when insurgents detonated a bomb to ambush them on a road in this southern border province Thursday morning.

Police said the explosion occurred at 10 am on the Yabi - Yarang Road in Moo 4 village of Tambon Khlolor Tanyong in Nong Chik district.

Police said the four soldiers were patrolling the road in a personnel vehicle along with four other soldiers on two motorcycles.

The insurgents detonated the bomb with a wired detonator.

The soldiers on the motorcycles escaped uninjured and exchange gunfire with the insurgents for about 10 minutes.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Separatists strike again in Pattani

Southern separatists struck again, this time in Yarang district in Pattani province. Ni-asae Musor, 20, was critically injured by unknown perpetrators on Monday morning. While authorities were just about to inspect the scene of the attack, a bomb explosion went off injuring 3 officials and 2 civilians. No further details have been released apart from the fact that all the casualties have been sent to

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126825

[sriracha john]

More info on the latest violence... which involved luring-in techniques... and happened near a school...

10 injured in shooting, bombing in Pattani

Pattani - Six soldiers and three civilians were injured after insurgents detonated a bomb following a shooting incident which the insurgents apparently staged to lure the soldiers to be hit by the bomb.

The bomb attack happened just about 100 metres away from Thai Rath Witthaya 52 School in Ban Tonphai in Yarang district shortly after a villager, Niah Saemusoh, 21, was shot and injured by a pillion rider at 8:30 am.

While soldiers from Taskforce 21 were inspecting the shooting scene, the bomb exploded, injuring them and two boys and a woman, who were standing nearby.

Police said the bomb was buried in a pile of sand nearby and detonated with a remote control.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

Separatists strike again in Pattani

Southern separatists struck again, this time in Yaring district in Pattani province. Ni-asae Musor, 20, was critically injured by unknown perpetrators on Monday morning. While authorities were just about to inspect the scene of the attack, a bomb explosion went off injuring 3 officials and 2 civilians. No further details have been released apart from the fact that all the casualties have been sent to

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126825

Monday morning bombing and today, Tuesday morning... in the same province... in the same district..... another bombing...

Pattani bomb wounds three policemen

Three police officers were injured when insurgents detonated a roadside bomb in Pattani province on Tuesday morning, police said. According to police, the bomb was buried under a food stall in Yaring district. It went off when the three officers were patrolling there. They were taken to

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=126844

[Scott]

There is virtually never any good news from this area. It seems like it's just about everybody after everyone else and a big bunch caught in the middle. The scary part (and somewhat difficult to believe) is that the gov't doesn't seem to know what they really want or is this just a lie. I can't imagine groups spending money and going to this much effort for nothing.

[sriracha john]

Things are breaking down completely when a corporal shoots and kills two of his own superiors...

Narathiwat Police Majors Gunned down by Subordinate

A Narathiwat police officer gunned down two police commanders after being warned for lack of discipline.

Narathiwat's Srisakorn district police inspector Police Major Apiwat Koatwong was rushed to Narathiwat hospital in critical condition. The police inspector was shot and injured by his subordinate Lance Coporal Takerng Moonmek.

Apiwat later died at the hospital.

Police Major Sawek Pookpasook, acting Superintendent of the Srisakorn police station, was found dead close to the police station.

Investigations reveal that Thakerng was warned regarding his discipline by both of his commandants as he was found to be involved with gambling activities. He shot his two commanders, using his nine-millimeter gun while the two victims were eating at a restaurant close to the police station, shortly after he had been called in for the ominous warning session.

- Thailand Outlook (today)

[sriracha john]

more caskets...more Thai flags...

Police take part in bathing rites for slain policemen Majors Sawek Pasasuk and Apiwat Khotwong. The officers were killed by a colleague in a Monday-night fight.

- Daily XPress (today)

[sriracha john]

Insurgents bomb power relay lines

Suspected insurgents blew up four power relay lines and a mobile-phone transmitter pole in Narathiwat yesterday morning, crippling power supplies and cellphones in the area.

Two of the power lines were blown up in the morning and the other two in the afternoon despite an increase in the number of troops deployed to Joh I Rong district, traditionally a highly contested area between insurgents and security forces.

Police found pieces of wristwatches at the scenes of the attacks and believe that they formed part of the trigger mechanisms.

Police said the five bombs were similar in size and composition. They believed the same group carried out the attacks.

Authorities heading to investigate the three locations were stalled by more acts of sabotage, as insurgents spiked the roads with nails and blocked traffic with logs.

Firefights and roadside bombings targeting the security forces have occurred regularly in this highly volatile area.

In a separate incident, a 15-year-old youth was shot dead in Narathiwat by a gunman riding pillion on a motorbike. The motorbike approached the victim from behind and the gunman opened fire with a 9mm pistol. Wae-hama Tuankama was believed to have been singled out as an informant for the police in Joh I Rong and Sungai Padi districts. He was employed at a karaoke bar in Muang district.

- The Nation (today)

============================================================================

Bombing in Narathiwat

Bombs went off at three spots in Narathiwat's Cho-airong district. The explosions damage electric light poles causing a temporary blackout in the area.

The police team from Narathiwat's Cho-airong district inspected the scene on the Jarusatien road near the Banbugaetamong village in Tambon Bukit where the bomb attack took place.

The explosion caused damage to a light pole on the road, causing a blackout in the district. Authorities reveal that a militant gang planted a five-kilogram bomb in a metal case and triggered it using a digital clock.

A second bomb went off shortly after, targeted at another electric light pole on the road near the gateway junction of the Banta-ngo village in Tambon Maruebo-ork, 20 meters away from the first spot.

The authorities reveal that the bombs at both spots were of the same type. However, at the second spot, the bomb didn't work properly, causing only minor damage to the electric pole.

At the final spot, the militants planted a bomb of the same type close to a signal transmitter at a DTAC phone office, located in the Bantobae village in Tambon Maruebo-ork. DTAC signal transmissions in the area were disrupted.

The authorities also reveal that militants also torched car tires, cut down trees to block the road and scattered tripod spikes around the three spots. The authorities believe the insurgents are attempting to generate fear among authorities, operating in the district.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Two soldiers wounded in Yala bombing

YALA, April 8 (TNA) – Two Thai soldiers were wounded in a roadside bomb blast in the southernmost border province of Yala.

The bomb was detonated as six soldiers patrolled an area in the provincial seat. Volunteer Rangers Suwanai Maitim and Pongtad Pansanun were rushed to hospital.

The road where the incident occurred was temporarily closed for evidence gathering. According to the initial investigation, it was a remote controlled bomb, but police are not yet certain how it was activated.

[sriracha john]

Post-Songkran violence hits restive south

A bomb went off early on Thursday morning along the Yala-Lammai route in Yala province killing one soldier identified as Wichai Wongpet. The bombing occurred as security units were on the hunt for suspected separatists in Muang district.

Meanwhile, authorities found the severed head of the owner of a shrimp farm killed yesterday in Songkhla province. The 30-year-old was identified as Prawit Mitrchand, 30. His head had been placed inside a plastic bag and left in the middle of the road by his attackers. :D

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127141

[sriracha john]

the previous article appears to be in error in regards to location...

ALTHOUGH... it is a different name and a different age...

IS it possible that 2 separate shrimp farm owners in 2 separate provinces were BOTH decapitated????

Insurgents decapitate Thai shrimp farmer

Suspected separatists shot dead and then decapitated the manager of a shrimp farm in Pattani, police said. Suphawit Mitjan, 26, was ambushed Wednesday night while driving to a shrimp farm in Nong Chik, Pattani.

The victim was first shot with a M-16 rifle and then decapitated with an axe, said Colonel Akkara Thiproj, spokesman for the Southern region command.

Suphawit was the 37th decapitation recorded in the deep South, comprising Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces - since the region's long simmering separatist struggle took a turn for the worse over the past four years, said Akkara.

When authorities went to inspect the scene of Suphawit's death Thursday morning they triggered an explosion that injured two volunteer militiamen, he added.

Meanwhile, a bomb was detonated Thursday morning in Yala city, killing one soldier, and another explosion in Than-To district, Yala province, injured one soldier.

The spate of fresh violence marked the end of the traditional Thai New Year which was celebrated with a national holiday Saturday through Wednesday.

Thailand's three southernmost provinces, bordering Malaysia, comprised the independent Islamic sultanate of Pattani more than 200 years ago before it fell under Bangkok's rule.

More than 80 per cent of the three provinces' 2 million people are Muslims, making the region an anomaly in predominantly Buddhist Thailand.

A separatist struggle has flared on and off in the area for decades, but took a turn for the worse in January, 2004, when Muslim militants, inspired by rising Muslim militancy abroad, attacked an army depot and stole 300 war weapons, prompting a crackdown that further inflamed the local population against the government.

- DPA / 17-04-08

====================================================

so the unfortunate farmer was first shot, and then decapitated, and THEN bombed? .... sheesh....

Edited April 17, 2008 by sriracha john

[Scott]

I was surprised that the insurgents laid low during Songkran. I was hoping it was a good sign, but I guess just a lull in the violence.

[phetpeter]

What we must remember, is the southern states are very large, most people living in peace with each other.

The newspapers are scare mongels, police man shot! What about the policeman in Phetchabun hacked for trying to stop neighbours fighting? hardly a mention!

Pull the reporters out of the south, no news then whats the point? it worked in the end in Northern Ireland, They had to admit they weren't getting anywhere with their killing, so they came to the table and started talking.

I think some of the police and miltary patrolling skills are very bad! Bit like the movies, bunch together not spead out, vehicles 100 metres apart etc. reqular change of timings and routes.

Forget the center, patrol and restrict movement in and out areas and across states. Close schools that are attacked for good. Ship the students to home stay schools. Assist families to move. WHEN THERE IS NOTHING OPEN TO ATTACK, NO BARS TO BOMB, NO NEW MOTORCYCLES, CARS AND TRUCKS FOR SALE, NO BROOZE BEING DELIVERED, NO MOVEMENT OF PERSONS WITH CRIMINAL RECORDS TO RELOCATE, NO TEACHERS TO KILL, PERHAPS THEY WILL START KILLING EACH OTHER!

Given time, they too will want to sit and talk.

[sriracha john]

Relatives mourn over the death of a villager killed by militants in Thailand's restive southern Narathiwat province, on April 19. More than 3,000 people have been killed since separatist unrest broke out in January 2004 in the south

AFP

Two killed in restive Thai south: police

A member of a pro-government militia and a suspected rebel were killed Saturday in Thailand's far south, police said, where a bloody separatist insurgency is raging.

A 45-year-old Muslim man who worked for a village defence force was shot dead in Narathiwat province on Saturday morning, police there said.

In nearby Yala province, meanwhile, an unidentified man suspected of being a militant was killed in a pre-dawn clash with government soldiers.

More than 3,000 people have been killed since separatist unrest broke out in January 2004 in the south, which was an autonomous Malay Muslim sultanate until mainly Buddhist Thailand annexed it in 1902, provoking decades of tension.

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said Friday that the government would extend emergency rule in the Muslim-majority south for three more months.

- AFP (today)

[sriracha john]

and Samak says things are improving???

Yala blast injures 7

A bomb explosion near a residence for railway authorities in Yala province has resulted in seven injuries, including a 5-year-old boy. Two of the casualties were police officers while the 4 others were locals. The attack follows a recent warning based on intelligence that there would be an attack on government interests in the province. It also came as Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said the southern conflict had improved on his weekly television programme on

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http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=127198

[sriracha john]

the numbered injured in the bombing is rising while Samak says things are improving....

Southern violence continues: 13 wounded in Yala bombing

YALA, April 20 (TNA) – Thirteen people were wounded early Sunday in an explosion near a market in Yala municipality, two days after Thailand's cabinet extended the government's emergency powers in the insurgency-plagued southern border provinces.

The bomb went off outside State Railway of Thailand (SRT) employee residences on Sunday morning,

with at least 13 people, including two on-duty police officers, wounded and receiving treatment in local hospitals.

According to the initial investigation, the remote-controlled bomb was activated by mobile phone.

Sunday's violence is the latest occurring in the restive South after the government approved another three-month extention of the Executive Decree on Administration in Emergency Situations in the border region on Friday.

The decree gives the security forces sweeping powers of arrest and detention in Thailand's ethnic Malay Muslim majority southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Some 3,000 people have been killed since violence erupted in early 2004.

[sriracha john]

An injured man lies on the floor after a bomb exploded at a market in Thailand's Yala province, April 20, 2008. A bomb hidden in a rubbish bin exploded in a busy market on Sunday, wounding 13 people, police said.

REUTERS

Police officers carry an injured colleague after a bomb exploded at a market in Thailand's Yala province.

REUTERS

Men carry an injured police officer after a bomb exploded at a market in Thailand's Yala province.

REUTERS

=============================================================================

And now the latest incident in the South's "improving" turmoil....

Gun shots are marked at site of a shooting which took place at a polling station where locals were taking part in provincial administration organization (PAO) elections in southern Thailand's Narathiwat province April 20, 2008. Two police officers keeping guard at the polling station were shot to death by insurgent gunmen on Sunday as voters took part in local elections, police said.

REUTERS

=============================================================================

And yet another separate incident that reflects the "improving" nature of the situation....

A soldier keeps guard near a military vehicle which was destroyed after being hit by a roadside bomb as soldiers were patrolling through southern Thailand's Narathiwat province April 20, 2008. Seven soldiers were injured after their vehicle was stuck by a roadside bomb, police said.

REUTERS

[sriracha john]

update on the market bombing and additional information on the photo of the policemen shootings... no updated news yet on the second bombing of the Army carrier...

13 injured in blast, two shot dead in Thai south

YALA, Thailand (AFP / 21-04-08) - A bomb planted by suspected separatists injured 13 people including a small child in Thailand's far south on Sunday, officials said, while two policemen were killed in a rebel attack.

The explosives were hidden in a rubbish bin in front of a state railway employee's home and near a market in Yala province. They were detonated by mobile phone on Sunday morning, police said.

Two policemen, a four-year-old boy and 10 other villagers were hurt by the blast and flying shrapnel and are being treated in hospital.

Later the same day, a group of about six militants opened fire on two policemen, aged 50 and 30, who were guarding a local election polling station in front of a mosque in nearby Narathiwat province.

They died instantly, and the rebels stole their rifles, police said.

The Thai government on Friday announced that they were extending a divisive state of emergency in the three southernmost provinces. Human rights groups have said the law -- in force since July 2005 -- creates a climate of impunity in the tense region and gives wide-ranging powers to the security forces, further alienating the Muslim population.

[farang prince]

update on the market bombing and additional information on the photo of the policemen shootings... no updated news yet on the second bombing of the Army carrier...

13 injured in blast, two shot dead in Thai south

YALA, Thailand (AFP / 21-04-08) - A bomb planted by suspected separatists injured 13 people including a small child in Thailand's far south on Sunday, officials said, while two policemen were killed in a rebel attack.

The explosives were hidden in a rubbish bin in front of a state railway employee's home and near a market in Yala province. They were detonated by mobile phone on Sunday morning, police said.

Two policemen, a four-year-old boy and 10 other villagers were hurt by the blast and flying shrapnel and are being treated in hospital.

Later the same day, a group of about six militants opened fire on two policemen, aged 50 and 30, who were guarding a local election polling station in front of a mosque in nearby Narathiwat province.

They died instantly, and the rebels stole their rifles, police said.

The Thai government on Friday announced that they were extending a divisive state of emergency in the three southernmost provinces. Human rights groups have said the law -- in force since July 2005 -- creates a climate of impunity in the tense region and gives wide-ranging powers to the security forces, further alienating the Muslim population.

Isn't that great? Human rights organizations are worried about wide-ranging powers for security forces. Funny how you never hear these "human rights" folks express their outrage when police officers or innocent civilians are killed by these cowards.

[Scott]

These situations are difficult and very often Human Rights Organizations can look silly, but they are the only ones who help to keep the 'rules' of war reasonably on track. Someone has to take the higher road and it needs to be the gov't.

As in the case of the US and Gutanamo Bay, the lack of adherence to the principles that the gov't espouses, causes more damange than it helps.

One of the goals has to be some sense of civility and if the gov't gives that up, then they aren't much better than the terrorists.

Deepest condolences to the friends, family, co-workers of the dead. And yes, absolutely, the actions of those that perpetrated this should be condemned.

[lotus eater]

...

Human rights groups have said the law -- in force since July 2005 -- creates a climate of impunity in the tense region and gives wide-ranging powers to the security forces, further alienating the Muslim population.

The point of that sentence lay in its final clause. To do something that is counter productive is stupid.

Arguments about principle, morality, rights and wrongs, etc evidently have little sway here - either way.

Sooner or later the thais will have to adopt the solution of western countries with similar problems - grant a degree of linguistic, cultural and administrative autonomy. Without this several european countries would have broken up by now - Switzerland, Belgium, Spain, Italy, the UK, to name some. Otherwize remain in the warring club - Thailand, Sri Lanka, et al.

The option of throwing out vast populations (post war Germany) or killing them (native american indians) is not an option nowadays.

[Jai Dee]

Combat and weapons training programs launched for village heads

The Interior Ministry recently launched combat and weapons training to provinces at the border area.

Songkhla Deputy Governor Theerateph Sriyapun (ธีรเทพ ศรียะพันธุ์) presided over the opening ceremony of combat and gun usage training, in accordance with the efficiency promotion for stability project.

The project was aimed at enhancing self-defense to residents living at risk-prone areas to increase safety for life and property in villages, as well as to create understanding of individuals’ right, duty and responsibility.

Similarly in Satul, a strength promotion program kicked off, with Satul Deputy Chief Chawalit Uthairat (ชวลิต อุทัยรัตน์) presiding over the event. Mr Chawalit said that the combat training is aimed at increasing the efficiency of security teams.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 23 April 2008

[sriracha john]

the utter carnage continues unabated....

5 School Workers Shot Dead in Pattani

A bomb has gone off near the Narathiwat rail track, injuring two soldiers. Meanwhile, an insurgent gang in Pattani shot dead five school construction workers and injured one.

A gang of rebels, comprised of at least two members, opened fire on construction workers at the Prasanwittaya School in Pattani's Yarang District, killing five instantly and injuring one.

Authorities say the team of workers was traveling by truck to the school when the rebels opened gunfire on the truck before escaping. The gang laid several tripod spikes to bar the police hunt. The authorities continue to investigate the case and will soon release the names of the deceased. The construction workers were in the area for the school's building project for two months.

Meanwhile, authorities reveal that insurgents planted a fake bomb on the rail track at Ban Buerayae in tambon Bukit in Cho-Airong District of Narathiwat. When a team of authorities were dispatched to inspect the scene, the militants detonated a real bomb, injuring two soldiers: Nirut Rattana-opat and Ashum Binruesa. The two were rushed to the district hospital.

The train track was closed for safety while the authorities investigated the scene.

- Thailand Outlook / 24-04-08

[Scott]

My condolences to the family of the deceased. I have a hard time seeing how construction workers should be a target, but I guess that is the nature of insurgencies such as this one.

I don't know if arming and training more people is exactly the best answer to the situation either.

[sriracha john]

School builders killed

Southern rebels on Thursday ambushed and killed a five-member, unarmed Buddhist work crew, including two women, on their way to build and repair an Islamic school in Pattani province. Police said the attackers hid at the side of the road just outside the grounds of the school, which is closed for summer break. When the workmen approached in their pick-up to begin their morning work at about 9:20, an estimated 20 insurgents armed with M16 rifles fired on the truck to stop it and then killed the five workers. A sixth worker was shot and seriously wounded. DPA news agency quoted Pol Col Poonsak Prasertmate as saying, "This attack was obviously planned in advance. They must have been observing the workers for days." The insurgents escaped cleanly after the murders, scattering nails on the road to slow down any possible pursuit. Army spokesman, Col Acra Tiproch, said the work team was to make repairs to the school. "About half past nine, a pick-up truck was carrying the workers to build a fence of a school. Two motorcycles came and opened fire on to the truck," said Col Acra. Other insurgents emerged from cover beside the road and continued the attack. The workers had no weapons. It was one of the most brutal attacks of the year, and continued the insurgent pattern of intimidation against schools.

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