No End In Sight As South Thai Rebellion Enters Fifth Year

[sriracha john]

Soldiers carry the body of a man out of a Thai army helicopter after it crashed in a jungle in southern Thailand's Yala Province on June 20, 2008. The Thai army helicopter crashed on Friday in a jungle in the country's rebellious Muslim south killing all 10 aboard, an army spokesman said. The Vietnam War era aircraft was ferrying a forensic team to the site of a gun battle between Muslim rebels and security forces earlier on Friday in Yala.

REUTERS

Edited June 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

*double post

Edited June 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[Scott]

This would seem like a significant loss. It seems that there were some fairly important people on board this helicopter.

[sriracha john]

This would seem like a significant loss. It seems that there were some fairly important people on board this helicopter.

Indeed, it was significant. There were several forensic experts among the dead.... and the big boss paid her respects...

Head of Central Institute of Forensic Science Porntip Rojanasunan on Saturday attends bathing rites of pathologists who were killed in a helicopter crash in the southern province of Yala Friday

Bangkok Post

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

Meanwhile, today, the mayhem continues with a brazen attack on a passenger train...

Rescue workers lift the dead body of a train policeman out of a train in the largely Muslim province of Narathiwat, south of Bangkok June21, 2008. Gunmen ambushed a passenger train in Thailand's deep south on Saturday, killing four people in the latest attack in the separatist insurgency.

REUTERS

A policeman examines bodies of passengers on a train in the largely Muslim province of Narathiwat, south of Bangkok June 21, 2008. Gunmen ambushed a passenger train in Thailand's deep south on Saturday, killing four people in the latest attack in the separatist insurgency.

REUTERS

[sriracha john]

4 killed as militants attack train in Thailand's restive south

NARATHIWAT (Thailand) - FOUR railway staff were killed when separatist militants opened fire on a passenger train in Thailand's restive south late on Saturday, an official said.

Up to four militants were believed to have shot a railway policeman and three other staff at Marubo station in Ra Ngae district, the State Railway official said.

"All four died instantly on the train," the official said.

The train was travelling from Surat Thani to the border town of Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat province.

More than 3,300 people have been killed since separatist violence broke out in January 2004 in the south.

- AFP

[sriracha john]

Some inconsistency as to the deceased; whether all were railway staff (as per AFP) or mainly passengers (as per Reuters)

4 killed, 5 wounded in train ambush in restive Thai south

BANGKOK, June 21 (Reuters) - Gunmen ambushed a passenger train in Thailand's deep south on Saturday, killing four people in the latest attack in a four-year-old separatist insurgency.

Another five people were wounded when the suspected Muslim militants, armed with automatic rifles, fired on the train.

Three passengers and a railway employee were killed.

More than 3,000 people have been killed since 2004 in the southernmost provinces once home to an independent Muslim sultanate until their annexation by Buddhist Bangkok a century ago.

No group has claimed responsibility for the near daily bombings, shootings and arson attacks which have ravaged the local economy and driven away many of the 20 percent Buddhist minority living in the region.

- Reuters

[sriracha john]

INSURGENTS SHOOT DEAD FOUR RAILWAY WORKERS IN NARATHIWAT

BANGKOK, June 21 (Bernama) -- Suspected insurgents stormed a train and shot dead four railway workers in a daring attack in the restive southern province of Narathiwat today.

The train was travelling between Tanjong Mas and Maruebo stations when unidentified gunmen began shooting the workers.

According to eyewitnesses, more than a dozen youths boarded the train when it stopped at Kampung Slor before several of them shot dead the railway workers and then jumped off the train.

Thanongsak Phongprasert, Chief of the Southern Centre of the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) said a station master, a guard, a railway policeman, and a servant onboard the train died in the incident which happened about 5 pm.

He said this was the first time railway workers were killed inside a train since violence escalated in the region in 2004, adding that a similar incident happened last year but only caused injuries.

"We are assessing the situation before deciding whether to cancel all train services," he said when contacted in Hatyai.

The train service runs from Bangkok to Sungai Golok at the Malaysia-Thailand border, as well local trains servicing Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

On previous occasions, suspected militants had removed track bolts to derail trains, planted bombs at stations and shot randomly at moving trains.

Edited June 21, 2008 by sriracha john

[sriracha john]

All train service has been stopped... indefinitely... where's the Prime Minister? Has he left the karaoke lounge yet?

Deep South trains suspended as insurgents kill 4 onboard

NARATHIWAT, June 22 (TNA) – All 16 trains serving the Sungai Kolok-Yala line in Thailand's deep south suspend service indefinitely after suspected insurgents shot dead three railway workers and a police officer aboard a train on Saturday.

Six gunmen aboard the train posed as passengers on a Sungai Kolok-Yala train shot dead three railway workers and a policeman and took his gun. One official was seriously wounded.

The Sungai Kolok train station in Narathiwat was quiet Sunday and passengers must go to Yala's train station to travel further north to Bangkok. Commuters going to Songkla's Hat Yai must travel by bus or van.

Stationmaster Alawi Uma of Sungai Kolok station did not know when service would resume. Passengers holding advance tickets can exchange their tickets for a full refund. He added that it has already noticed passengers, while soldiers and volunteers beefed up security at the station.

[Scott]

They seem to be getting more brazen, but I wonder what others think. Sometimes there is a spike in violence and then it dies down for a time. Is this a trend? Are they more brazen? How much of these actions are due to the political situation in Bangkok?

[papajohn]

Scott, Was 9/11 not brazen enough for you ? This is not a Thai problem or an American or European problem, it is a Muslum movement to terrorize and enslave people to Sharia Law. Unless you are a Muslum you are an infidel and must be killed. Their mosques are training grounds for terrorists. Look at the big picture. Afganistan, Pakastan, India, Phillipines, France, England, Spain, Indoniesia and many countries in Africa all countries that are under attack from Muslum extremists as the media calls them. No, this is not a bunch of hooligans, this is a well financed ( oil money) war against other cultures . Wake up people, WWW 3 has started. You just do not want to accept that fact, same as the Euros thought in 1938 ! Big surprise for them. What do you think Scott?

[ThaiAdventure]

I'm a bit perplexed by all the media coverage of these "insurgents".

The reports never name an organisation, voice any demands and seem to portray the events as isolated/random attacks in the name of what? Religion, land, all/none of the above?

Seems rather an eclectic mix of targets (police, army, villagers, schools, workers-Bhuddist and Muslim) more like a civil war!

Historically, "terrorists" have always done something nasty and then trumpeted about how they have triumphed in the name of thier cause (IRA, Bin Ladin etc) but these people seem pretty faceless.

[Scott]

Papajohn--9/11 was brazen enough for me, but the perpetrators were clear (eventually) and the target was pretty clear. In a relatively short period of time, the dots were connected. Here, for some reason the dots don't seem to make it into the public arena and thus it's a little harder to figure out who and why this is going on.

I certainly don't disagree with you. I just hope you are wrong. The situation seems to remain a conflict with periodic episodes of escalation and then retreat. This may be a tactic toward a larger plan or it may be due to other conditions (lack of financing, lack of coordination, increased security etc.)

The media for whatever reason, doesn't seem to give us a very clear picture of the situation. Usually some good investigative journalist will get in there and work his way up to somebody important and lay it out for the public. This hasn't happened. Thus we have little choice but to speculate and gleen from the reports what we can. The one thing that does baffle me is why they haven't gone much beyond the southern area.

Thanks.

[sriracha john]

Targeting the State Railway of Thailand continues... and now, no train service...

Security officials remove a fire extinguisher containing 15 kilograms of explosives from a railway section in Narathiwat’s Rangae district.

Trains stopped after shootings

Four killed, one seriously hurt in attack on Saturday

Rail services on the Sungai Kolok-Yala line in the deep South have been suspended indefinitely after rebels attacked a train on Saturday, killing four with random assault-rifle fire.

Six men posing as passengers boarded a Sungai Kolok-Yala train and shot dead three state railway workers and a policeman. Another official was seriously wounded. Passengers were terrorised.

The Sungai Kolok station in Narathiwat was quiet yesterday and passengers travelling north to Bangkok had to go to Yala to catch a train. Travellers to Hat Yai had to find alternatives.

Stationmaster Alawi Uma cannot say when services will resume but says passengers with advance bookings will receive refunds. Travellers have been notified of the cancellation. Security at the station has been stepped up.

"The suspension of service will continue until further notice when on-train security measures are expected to be improved," said Thanongsak Phongprasert, a local senior SRT official.

Train commuters have been affected, as have drivers of 42 two-row passenger trucks that transport commuters from train stations.

Bomb on the tracks

Meanwhile, security officials yesterday defused a home-made bomb hidden in a fire extinguisher attached to a railway section in Narathiwat's Rangae district.

They also removed four large logs put on the railway to block it after they traced a 50-metre electric wire connected to the 15-kilogram bomb into a nearby wood and found a detonator connected to it, in a ready-to-work condition.

- Daily Xpress / June 23, 2008

[sriracha john]

seems everyday the tally grows and grows....

Five More Die in Thailand's Southern Violence

Pattani, Thailand - A clash between Thai authorities and suspected separatists and attacks on civilians claimed five dead Monday in the Deep-South, where train travel has been temporarily halted because of the growing violence.

Early Monday morning a joint patrol of police and soldiers was ambushed on the road to Bannang Sata district, sparking a five-minute gunbattle.

The shootout left three insurgents dead. Their bodies were found about 100 metres from the village, said Bannang Sata Police Colonel Sompien Todsomya.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring Pattani, suspected separatists on Monday shot dead a rubber merchant in Panare district, and villagers discovered the corpse of an unknown man in Yarang, believed to be another victim of violence.

Over the weekend, insurgents wearing military fatigues boarded a government train in Yala, shooting dead three railway employees and one policeman.

Train service in the Deep South, including Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces, was suspended Monday because of Saturday's attack.

"Troops have been under a lot of pressure by authorities to perform down here, which always leads to more acts of revenge by the insurgents," said Sompien.

- DPA (today)

[sriracha john]

Additional information on the above shootouts, with reports of more deaths...

Violence in the deep South leaves seven dead

A fierce jungle gunbattle Monday between Thai forces and suspected separatists left seven insurgents dead and four security personnel wounded in the southern province of Yala, police said.

A joint patrol of more than 20 police and soldiers was ambushed on a road in the Bannang Sata district, sparking a five-minute gun battle, said Bannang Sata police Colonel Sompien Todsomya.

After the attackers fled, government forces pursued and found one insurgent dead about 100 metres from the road, he said.

A second clash occurred in the jungle, leaving two insurgents dead, the colonel added.

The government troops pursued the insurgents again, leading to a third shootout in the jungle that claimed another four suspected separatists and left four soldiers and police wounded, Sompien said.

- The Nation

[papajohn]

Papajohn--9/11 was brazen enough for me, but the perpetrators were clear (eventually) and the target was pretty clear. In a relatively short period of time, the dots were connected. Here, for some reason the dots don't seem to make it into the public arena and thus it's a little harder to figure out who and why this is going on.

I certainly don't disagree with you. I just hope you are wrong. The situation seems to remain a conflict with periodic episodes of escalation and then retreat. This may be a tactic toward a larger plan or it may be due to other conditions (lack of financing, lack of coordination, increased security etc.)

The media for whatever reason, doesn't seem to give us a very clear picture of the situation. Usually some good investigative journalist will get in there and work his way up to somebody important and lay it out for the public. This hasn't happened. Thus we have little choice but to speculate and gleen from the reports what we can. The one thing that does baffle me is why they haven't gone much beyond the southern area.

Thanks.

Hi Scott, I made the mistake of opening this thread last night. The subject matter so diguests me to know that there are a lot of these

sub-human people on this good earth. Anyone who could pull the trigger on a man, his wife and baby on a motorbike is beyond my comprehension. Allah strikes another blow for what? Killing a family on their way to work, Allah Akbar or whatever these idiots say ! Don't

forget that 9-11 was not the first attack on the WTC. The US caught who was responsible for the first bombing but did the right thing ( ? ) by bringing them to court and giving them a fair trial. Ask yourself this, How many American, Brits or other countries troops in Iraq are POW's, Why?

These people are trained killers to the N'th degree and if they have time they will dismember the body. The press here uses the term insurgents "how sweet", I can only guess it is to keep a lid on. Tourism being the economic base. I can understand why.

Remember a journalist named Daniel Pearl who was invited to an interview with these guys? So much for investigative journalism in this war. The reason why they stay in the three provences is lack of numbers and it is easy for them to run and hide across the border to

re-arm and plan for the next attack. This is the nature of cowards who

are afraid to fight. Bomb markets, burn schools, kill teachers, murder

anyone for Allah. Destroy the economy of a country is the goal. The RR

bomb and killings are an example. This is not the first time they manage to halt train traffic in the south. I like you hope I am wrong.

But the facts are what is. These people are serious killers and unless the Muslim community worldwide does something to stop them then they leave us no choice and can expect a serious reaction that I assure you they will regret. Chok Dee

[jimmi]

Papajohn, you are spot on. I just hope the Mulslim community worldwide does something sooner rather than later.

[sriracha john]

As posted earlier, apparently the six reportedly killed here in three firefights actually involved seven deaths.

A man, still holding his weapon in hand, lies on the ground after being shot dead in a jungle in southern Thailand's Yala Province June 23, 2008. Security forces killed six suspected Muslim rebels in southern Thailand on Monday, where all rail services have been halted after a brutal weekend attack on a train, police said.

REUTERS

Soldiers assist a colleague who was injured during a jungle raid in southern Thailand's Yala Province June 23, 2008. Security forces killed six suspected Muslim rebels in southern Thailand on Monday, where all rail services have been halted after a brutal weekend attack on a train, police said.

REUTERS

[sriracha john]

and today, more carnage, more injuries...

4 soldiers and 8 civilians injured in Yala bomb attack

Yala - A five-kilogramme bomb went off in a crowded fresh market Tuesday morning injuring four soldiers and eight civilians, police said. The four soldiers were part of a unit conducting a routine patrol through the city.

The bomb, hidden in a metal box, was tied to a motorbike and parked near a stall where pork were being sold. Police said they believe the explosive was set off remotely, possibly by mobile phone.

- The Nation (today)

[sriracha john]

The PM needs to read this thread...

PM says situation in restive South has improved

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said at the end of the Senate meeting yesterday that the situation in the deep South improved after four months of the government’s work.

- ThaiNews (today)

[ThaiAdventure]

The PM needs to read this thread...

PM says situation in restive South has improved

Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej said at the end of the Senate meeting yesterday that the situation in the deep South improved after four months of the government's work.

- ThaiNews (today)

Indeed, thanks to your Stirling efforts Sriracha John. Not just keeping us abreast on this thread....but the many others as well.

[sriracha john]

The "situation" continues to "improve" in the Deep South...

2 soldiers wounded in roadside bomb in South

Two soldiers were wounded in a roadside bomb in the southern district of Yala on Friday, police said. The bomb went off when the soldiers were patrolling in Yaha-Yala road in Yaha district. They were rushed to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128573

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

Muslim man killed in drive-by shooting in Narathiwat

Narathiwat - A Muslim man, who was taken for question by the authorities, was killed in a drive-by shooting in this southern border province Friday morning.

Kamaruding Timoh, 36, was shot dead by an assailant riding on the back of a pickup truck on Tanyong Mas - Bango Sato Road in Rangae district at 7:50 am.

A 18-year-old student was also injured by a stray bullet. Police said Kamaruding was riding his motorcycle home after sending his children to school.

Kamruding was taken for questioning at a military base in Pattani's Nong Chik district and was released two months ago after the authorities did not find strong evidences for taking legal action against him.

- The Nation

Edited June 27, 2008 by sriracha john

[TAWP]

Sounds like he knew things and they where afraid he talked and punished him/took him out of the picture before he could report anything back in case he became a double-agent...

Edited June 30, 2008 by TAWP

[sriracha john]

Here a bomb, there a bomb, everywhere a bomb, bomb ...

Bomb Blast in Pattani Targets School Guard Force

A blast went off in Narathiwat, reportedly targeting a police team which was guarding school teachers; however, the police team survived the attack.

Meanwhile, militants set off another bomb in Pattani, injuring one soldier who was part of a patrol unit.

Pattani's Panare district Police Superintendent Police Colonel Naruecha Suwannalapa led a police team along with the bomb disposal unit to investigate a bombing scene on the Yaring-Sai Buri Road near the Ban Nambor Village.

The attack reportedly injured a soldier, identified as Private Nukoon Puenpakwhan, who was part of a patrol unit which was on duty on the road. The injured private was later rushed to the district hospital.

Investigations indicate that the militant gang detonated a road-side bomb while the team of six was patrolling the road on motorcycles. The soldiers maneuvered quickly to the side of the road to prevent a possible ambush.

The authorities were dispatched to the site to carry out a manhunt to find the culprit militants.

Meanwhile, Pattani Deputy Governor Nattapol Wichienprerd along with the authorities today met with parents and families of the suspect militants who have arrest warrants on their heads and urged that they contact the suspects and convince them to turn themselves into the custody of the policy and to fight the charges legally.

The deputy governor says that the authorities will consider helping the suspects involved with the cases if they cooperate and would push for milder punishments. Up to now, four militants operating in the area have turned themselves in to fight the lawsuits.

In the meantime, another blast went off on the Manangtayor-Thungka road in the city district of Narathiwat province. Authorities reveal that the attack was aimed at intimidating a unit which was on patrol, consisting of 12 soldiers, who provide security for school teachers.

However, the bomb went off only after the team and the school teachers passed the blast point by three meters and as a result they all survived.

- Thailand Outlook

[sriracha john]

Likely to stoke the fires even more....

Dead imam had been assaulted

A doctor told the Narathiwat Court yesterday that an insurgent suspect who died in military custody in March, Imam Yapa Kaseng, had been beaten with hard objects. The 56-year-old imam had been arrested and detained on March 19. He was found dead on March 21 when relatives came to visit him at the 39th Special Taskforce Unit at Wat Suan Tham in Rueso district. His death sparked public outrage and drew the attention of the Asian Human Rights Commission. Dr Suphawit Pakdichoke said he performed an autopsy on the body. Inconsistent wounds showed the victim was physically abused several times. His wounds were said to be caused by hard objects. Many ribs were broken and the broken ribs pierced the lungs. There were also many shallow bruises across the body. The dead man's wife, Nima Kaseng, told the court that Mr Yapa was physically sound on the day he was arrested. He did not have any bruises or broken ribs.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/010708_News/01Jul2008_news10.php

[sriracha john]

More of Samak's "improved situation"....

6 soldiers wounded in South bomb

Six soldiers were wounded, one critically, when insurgents detonated a roadside bomb in the southern province of Pattani on Tuesday morning. They were part of the patrol soldiers deploying in Sai Buri district. They were rushed to

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/b...s.php?id=128642

[sriracha john]

The situation continues to "improve"....

Village headman in Pattani killed by insurgents

A group of gunmen shot dead a village headman in Yarang district of Pattani province. Mobile military units are now hunting them down.

Mr. Masorlae Taedae, the Goram Village chief, was brutally killed by a group of southern insurgents. The shooting took place when the victim was driving to his residence. Many bullets were found in his body.

Army officials are tracking down the escaping perpetrators and checkpoints have been set up in various areas. The police are currently investigating the crime scene.

- ThaiNews

[sriracha john]

Even further "improvement".... so much so that perhaps Samak will soon announce that the entire problem has been successfully resolved...

School driver dies in ambush

A school van driver was killed in an ambush while on his way to pick up students in Yaha district of Yala yesterday afternoon, local police said. Ibroheng Sariteh, 32, was found dead near his van. Police said the driver was on his way to pick up students at Ban Tanyong school when he ran into an ambush. The attacked vehicle skidded off the road and crashed into a pile of loose earth. Ibroheng crawled out of the van and was shot in the head by one of the attackers, police said. Also in Yaha district, Rosae Salae, a 46-year-old villager, was shot dead while riding his motorcycle home yesterday evening. In Pattani, five soldiers were wounded in a bomb explosion and ensuing gunfight in Sai Buri district yesterday. The attack occured on the Laharn-Sai Buri road as the eight-man security team was escorting teachers to their school.

Continued here:

http://www.bangkokpost.net/020708_News/02Jul2008_news08.php

[Scott]

I don't know how anyone would dare to go anywhere living in that area. I certainly would be afraid to send my kids to school.

[sriracha john]

Woman shot dead in South

Narathiwat -- A gunman shot dead a female villager in Narathiwat's Rusoh district Wednesday morning just as she dropped off her daughter at a local school.

According to the police, Worrana Sisuan, 27, was found laying in a pool of blood next to motorbike on the side of the road in Tambon Koksatoe.

Police blamed Malay Muslim militants for the killing. A letter, written in Thai, was left next to the victims' body said, "You kill Malays, I will kill Thai".

- The Nation