Daring Attack On South Thailand Army Post

[webfact]

Daring attack on South army post

By Don Pathan

The Nation

Militants charge through front gate, killing at least 6 soldiers, wounding 6

Suspected separatist militants attacked an Army task-force unit in Narathiwat's Rangae district last night, killing six soldiers and wounding six others just days after Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva talked about lifting the state of emergency in more districts of the troubled deep South.

This attack was considered one of the boldest moves by the separatists in a long time.

The militants charged through the front gate - the only entry into the Task Force 38 camp - and started firing, catching the troops off guard, a senior officer recounted. Lt-Colonel Thanit Saengchan estimated that at least 20 armed men were behind the attack.

Task Force 38 comes under the 15th Infantry Division of the Fourth Army Area, though the Narathiwat province comes under the command of the Second Army Area, which also has the Northeast region under its jurisdiction.

Details about the gunfight, the extent of the damage and if anything was stolen remained sketchy as of press time. Task Force 38 is about a kilometre from an Army battalion that was raided on January 4, 2004, by scores of Malay-Muslim separatists who made off with about 350 pieces of weapons.

The highest-ranking officer who died in the shootout was identified as Captain Krit Kampirayan, who was the company's commander.

The wounded were rushed to the Yala Central Hospital, a regional medical centre with better facilities. The attack came as Army commander-in-chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha and Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, who is in charge of security affairs, were visiting the region to provide moral support to the troops and officials.

Abhisit returned from the region two days ago after discussing ways of strengthening the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre with civilian officials.

Insurgent attacks have become almost an every day occurrence in the three Malay-speaking southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, as well as in the four Malay-speaking districts of Songkhla.

The attack in Rangae was a "slap in the face" and "a tremendous setback" for the policy-makers, said a senior officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, as the Royal Thai Army in Bangkok plans to hand the entire deep South region back to the Fourth Army. The idea is to pull out the units from the Second Army Area and Third Army Area and send them back to the Northeast and the North, respectively. It is not immediately clear if this latest incident will affect this plan, which is supposed to kick off in October.

Last night's attack also came as the authorities in Bangkok boasted about improved security in the restive region where more than 4,300 people have been killed since 2004. Almost 500 of the victims were soldiers and police.

Claiming success in the curbing of violence, the government recently lifted the emergency decree in Pattani's Mae Lan district. Observers said this claim was far too premature because the movements of the militants were far too fluid. Some said the idea of marking areas as "green" or "red" zones was misleading because this generation of insurgents did not care about controlling geographical space, but were more interested in controlling the mindset of the local population.

Sympathy for the insurgents among the Malay-Muslim populace remains high and the number of people coming out to name suspected insurgents remains low, despite the government's claim that it was succeeding in winning the hearts and minds of the local residents.

More than 64,000 security officers are working in the deep South and the government has spent billions on trying to maintain order in the restive region, where the violence is nowhere in sight.

-- The Nation 2011-01-20

[webfact]

Rebels kill four in attack on Thai military: army

NARATHIWAT, January 20, 2011 (AFP) - Dozens of armed rebels killed at least four Thai soldiers and injured several more in a raid on a military camp in Thailand's troubled Muslim-majority south, an army spokesman said Thursday.

In an unusually brazen attack in the insurgency-plagued region, about 50 militants attacked the unit in Narathiwat province on Wednesday evening, sparking a gun battle, Colonel Banphot Poonpien said.

"Four soldiers died in the attack and seven were injured. Of these, four are in a critical condition," he told AFP.

The militants took more than 50 rifles and about 5,000 bullets during the raid, setting off bombs and burning two houses and a tent within the base before retreating, a statement from the southern Thai army headquarters said.

The troops killed were said to be aged between 22 and 33.

Shadowy insurgents have waged a violent campaign in the southern region bordering Malaysia since early 2004, leaving more than 4,400 people dead, both Muslims and Buddhists.

On Tuesday, Thailand extended emergency rule in most of the Muslim-majority southern region for another three months, despite rights groups' concerns about the powers given to the military.

Suthep Thaugsuban, the deputy prime minister who oversees national security, said the militants staged the latest raid to terrify local residents.

"They want to show their capability," he told reporters, a day after he made a visit to the troubled part of the country.

A security force of more than 60,000 is stationed in the region, battling militants whose precise aims are unclear.

Critics accuse the government of failing to address the grievances of Thailand's Malay Muslim minority, including alleged abuses by the military and a perceived lack of respect for their ethnic identity, language and religion.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2011-01-20

[TheGhostWithin]

It is high time, that Malaysia stepped in and accepted that it is some of their own citizens who are causing this mess.

My respects and condolences go to the families of those that died, for without the army and the Police in these provinces, they would truly be very scary places. Think Iraq, surrounded by jungle and not knowing who is watching you. These men risk their lives every day to stop the violence, and I only have admiration for them.

A large part of the problem, is the smuggling of drugs from Malaysia into Thailand via these states - it is no coincidence that they are along the border with Malaysia.

I know that it may be a little out of the Thai budget, but this would be one place where drones used soley for tracking purposes would pay huge benifits to the government. Only then, would they start to see patterns in the terrorism. Would the terrorists comje from/run to the same villages? Would they come from common ancestry? Would the offenders be members or associates of the same Mosques, or Fundamentalist Islamic schools?

The fact that these schools, where only Islamic ways are taught are even allowed to exist, puzzles me. There should only be government schools, whereby Islamic teachings are an elective - this way, the government would have far more control over who is teaching, and what they were teaching. The only way the south can be won, is if the walls the terrorists are putting up, are pulled down faster than they are made.

This means rewarding those that are good, and alienating those that are not. Those that offend for ANY crime in the south of non Thai citizenry should be deported, no questions asked. The death penalty, as well as serious jail time for anyone (including family) who is found to have known of the intentions of terrorists must be enforced - not financial hardship pyouts when their family members bombs explode inside apartment buildings.

[exona]

So after 6 years what have the Thai "army" learnt?

Obviously, not to shut the gate and have someone stay awake whilst on watch!

How many "soldiers" lost their heads this time?

What tonnage of munitions walked out the gate this time?

If the army can't even defend themselves how are they meant to defend the locals, the 180 odd teachers murdered in past six years and everyone else!

I can't recall any FOB's in either Afghanistan or Iraq being walked over in the past 10 years, mortared yes, but over run, no!

To think the RTA still pick fights with the Khmer (who know how to fight) over Khmer temples, when they can't even control what was essentially a riot/ crowd control problem last April without resorting to shooting there own civilians and what's more needing armoured vehicles and mortars!!

Surely, "the powers that be" realise they have no chance in hell pulling off a successful counter insurgence operation.

Walk Away....... the continual loss of face is becoming unbearable.........

[earthpig]

The militants understand that the Thai government lacks, thankfully, the resolve to end this fight militarily. Indeed, all parties understand that a military escalation sufficient to quell the insurgency would likely entail bombs in Bangkok and in the international tourist areas, not only shutting down tourism but more importantly emboldening the Red Shirts.

The matter will likely fester for a long time.

Ultimately, Hat Yai will become a border city.

[webfact]

Four soldiers killed, six wounded in surprise attack on Narathiwat army base

NARATHIWAT, Jan 20 - Insurgents carried out a surprise attack on an army unit in Narathiwat's Rangae district Wednesday night, killing four soldiers--including an army company commander--and wounding six others.

The attack occured just two days after the government extended its emergency decree in the three southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala and only hours after Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha returned to Bangkok after their day-long visit in Pattani.

More than 20 assailants used military weapons in the assault on the Ror 15121 army outpost in Ban Marue Botok at 8pm last night, well after dark and during the evening meal.

The attackers reportedly attacked the rear of the unit, and the government soldiers returned fire, with both sides exchanging gunfire for more than 20 minutes.

The army called for reinforcements but the attackers had spread the roads around the unit with spikes and cut down trees to block the reinforcement.

An army helicopter carried reinforcements into the area and carried out the dead and wounded to the nearest hospitals after the attackers fled.

During their departure the insurgents carried off many weapons M-16s and UZIs and set fire to army housing in the base.

Four soldiers including the base commander Capt Krit Khampirayan were killed and six others were wounded in the attack.

Two of the wounded soldiers were in critical condition and the other four were under the close watch of the doctors.

The army had set up four units to pursue the attackers in the hills, and believed they would not be able to go too far.

ISRA Institute of the Thai Press Development Foundation quoted a senior military official at the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 saying that the suspected insurgents were believed to have planned well for the attack.

He said 80 soldiers in the unit were at supper, not at full alert, so the unit was less prepared for an attack. It was believed that some of the attackers were wounded from the fierce gun battle.

The military believed that the attackers mobilised their forces from many areas as they have fewer members because of the government's proactive operations. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-01-20

[webfact]

Bomb attack on Pattani patrol unit in Yarang, no injuries; motorcycle bombing in front of tea shop in Bajoh, Narathiwat injures 2 soldiers /TAN_Network

[visions]

And the Government want to install Nuclear power plants...My God!!

When a bunch of villagers can overrun a fortified guarded Army base and seemingly do whatever they want, whenever, what chance of guarding against a hit on a civilian power plant?

Hopefully, its one case where I would welcome USA influence to prevail and stop any plans for Nuke power plants.

[OzMick]

So after 6 years what have the Thai "army" learnt?

Obviously, not to shut the gate and have someone stay awake whilst on watch!

How many "soldiers" lost their heads this time?

What tonnage of munitions walked out the gate this time?

If the army can't even defend themselves how are they meant to defend the locals, the 180 odd teachers murdered in past six years and everyone else!

I can't recall any FOB's in either Afghanistan or Iraq being walked over in the past 10 years, mortared yes, but over run, no!

To think the RTA still pick fights with the Khmer (who know how to fight) over Khmer temples, when they can't even control what was essentially a riot/ crowd control problem last April without resorting to shooting there own civilians and what's more needing armoured vehicles and mortars!!

Surely, "the powers that be" realise they have no chance in hell pulling off a successful counter insurgence operation.

Walk Away....... the continual loss of face is becoming unbearable.........

"................ when they can't even control what was essentially a riot/ crowd control problem last April without resorting to shooting there own civilians and what's more needing armoured vehicles and mortars!!"

Is that you Mr Amsterdam? Except for the cause, what is the difference between the armed militants in the south and those amongst the red shirts last April? Armour is to provide safety for those inside, it is not offensive - was there even one report of anyone crushed or fired upon from an armoured vehicle? Can you think of a safer way to clear barricades?

Mortars? When did you dream that one? The only explosive rounds used were RPGs and M-79s, and a red affiliate has confessed to firing both while the RTA avoided using such weapons. Of course, the red kwai firing those was a civilian, and heaven forbid a soldier should shoot him.

[exona]

Mick, no doubt there were armed elements amongst the reds.

My point being that it was riot/ crowd control (police) problem that should never have been allowed to turn into a medievl siege in the middle of a capital city in the 21st century!

And I'm sure the RTA needed those tanks to fire at the Krue See Mosque and what about that good work they did in transporting hog tied protesters at Tak Bai!

The RTA are a glorified "riot squad" who crush internal decent, by time after time firing on their "own" people. 73, 76, 91???

My point is they have no chance taking on an armed motivated "other", internal group in a counter insurgence environment.

[webfact]

SOUTH CRISIS

Separatists steal 50 guns during Wednesday attack

By The Nation

Separatist militants who launched a fatal attack on an army task force unit in Narathiwat on Wednesday night have stolen about 50 guns and 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

A forensic team inspected at the scene on Thursday and found that four army buildings and a motorcycle had been burned to the ground. The weapons stolen included M16 rifles and 11mm pistols as well as 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

The team collected about 700 cartridges for the M16 and AK47 rifles as well as those for 9 millimetre and 11 millimetre pistols.

So far 300 army personnel have been deployed to hunt down the attackers, who are believed to have retreated into the Budo mountains behind the unit.

The attack killed one officer and three soldiers, named as unit commander Captain Krit Kampirayarn, Corporal Abduloh Tayee, Sgt Tevarat Kawva and Private Prawit Chuklin.

This attack was considered one of the boldest moves by the separatists in a long time.

The militants charged through the front gate the only entry into the Task Force 38 camp and started firing, catching the troops off guard, a senior officer recounted.

It is estimated that at least 20 armed men were behind the attack.

Rangae district, where Task Force 38 is situated, is the district north of Cho Ai Rong, where scores of Malay Muslim separatists raided the Fourth Pattana Battalion on January 4, 2004 and made off with about 350 weapons.

-- The Nation 2011-01-20

[webfact]

Army chief concedes lax security possible cause of Narathiwat Army camp attack

Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha Thursday conceded that the lax security might be a main reason that allowed insurgents to attack an Army company camp.

The attack late Wednesday saw 4 troops killed and several others injured.

"The situation has not worsened but it's normal that when one side was on alert and the other side waited for a window of opportinunity, we might be lax, causing the problem to occur," Prayuth said.

"The incident taught us a lesson. I've instructed the southern Army to be more careful so that no more similar incident will happen."

-- The Nation 2011-01-20

[chuang]

SOUTH CRISIS

Separatists steal 50 guns during Wednesday attack

By The Nation

Separatist militants who launched a fatal attack on an army task force unit in Narathiwat on Wednesday night have stolen about 50 guns and 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

Humilating......

[OzMick]

IMHO the RTA in southern Thailand are on one of the front lines of a war of religious expansion. One of Jemia Islamia's stated goals is the Islamification of Thailand, PI and Australia despite what the majority of those countries desire, and JI is one of the main funding channels for this so-called seperatist movement.

As long as schools in the south are run by non-government organizations, they will continue to churn out ill-educated youths (because they spent too much time in religious rather than practical studies), who cannot compete in the job market, and are then told that they are being discriminated against. Already half-brainwashed, they become perfect cannon-fodder for this conflict.

Earthpig thinks that Hat Yai will become a border city - what makes him think it will stop there? There are Muslim dominant villages all the way up the west coast at least as far as Ranong, and plenty of mosques in BKK.

10 years ago I travelled around SE Asia looking for the best place to retire, and that included both Malaysia (Penang) and Indonesia (Sumatra/Medan). The plan was 2 weeks in each country to get a feel of the place - I lasted one night in Penang. What disturbed me most was the lack of a quality press - world events were reported in such a distorted fashion as to bear little resemblance to that which I was familiar. Local news was dominated by an argument about Borneo hill-tribe people who had been bribed/coerced into joining the faith, and then rejected it. Although some were calling for moderation, there were others adamant that there is only one punishment.

I DON'T WANT TO LIVE IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY! If the RTA starts stacking up bodies like cordwood (again) it won't bother me in the least little bit. When militants come into a village and kill the non-believers, and the rest of the village decide they all saw nothing, the RTA should decide that it is the perfect place for a new base - bulldoze the houses, confiscate the surrounding land, no compensation payable. It might not win hearts and minds, but it sure gives food for thought. Make it a policy that when little Mohammed Terrorist gets caught/killed/identified, mum and dad are joining the ranks of the homeless.

[Thongkorn]

It is high time, that Malaysia stepped in and accepted that it is some of their own citizens who are causing this mess.

My respects and condolences go to the families of those that died, for without the army and the Police in these provinces, they would truly be very scary places. Think Iraq, surrounded by jungle and not knowing who is watching you. These men risk their lives every day to stop the violence, and I only have admiration for them.

A large part of the problem, is the smuggling of drugs from Malaysia into Thailand via these states - it is no coincidence that they are along the border with Malaysia.

I know that it may be a little out of the Thai budget, but this would be one place where drones used soley for tracking purposes would pay huge benifits to the government. Only then, would they start to see patterns in the terrorism. Would the terrorists comje from/run to the same villages? Would they come from common ancestry? Would the offenders be members or associates of the same Mosques, or Fundamentalist Islamic schools?

The fact that these schools, where only Islamic ways are taught are even allowed to exist, puzzles me. There should only be government schools, whereby Islamic teachings are an elective - this way, the government would have far more control over who is teaching, and what they were teaching. The only way the south can be won, is if the walls the terrorists are putting up, are pulled down faster than they are made.

This means rewarding those that are good, and alienating those that are not. Those that offend for ANY crime in the south of non Thai citizenry should be deported, no questions asked. The death penalty, as well as serious jail time for anyone (including family) who is found to have known of the intentions of terrorists must be enforced - not financial hardship pyouts when their family members bombs explode inside apartment buildings.

Malaysia are part of the problem , this goes back years . Thailand took some land of Malaysia Just like many other Country's did from there weaker neighbors. Now the people in the Middle do not see themselves as Thai or Malaysian. They want there own Country , also Religion comes into the equation, most Thais are Buddhist and some Christians, the Muslims are fighting all of them. they do not care if they are Women children, just kill them. As many country's are finding out you cannot fight gorilla warfare , ask the British , So how do you distinguish who is Thai and who is what , look at the UK Many different creeds and colours.so drones will not work and they are not that good in jungles.

[FarangBuddha]

The Thai army (all the armed forces in general) has always been a "paper tiger." Basically only good for putting on fancy uniforms and parading around Bangkok on national holidays and killing unarmed student demonstrators. Got its butt kicked by the Burmese 400 years ago, has been continually loosing national territory to colonial and neighboring countries over the past couple hundred years, got its butt kicked again by the Lao Army (yeah, the Lao Army) a couple decades ago, and is now getting its face rubbed in it in the south.

[OzMick]

The Thai army (all the armed forces in general) has always been a "paper tiger." Basically only good for putting on fancy uniforms and parading around Bangkok on national holidays and killing unarmed student demonstrators. Got its butt kicked by the Burmese 400 years ago, has been continually loosing national territory to colonial and neighboring countries over the past couple hundred years, got its butt kicked again by the Lao Army (yeah, the Lao Army) a couple decades ago, and is now getting its face rubbed in it in the south.

You forgot the Japs in WWII. Every time I go past Victory Monument with its aviator, I try to recall a victory in the last century. Still working on it.

Edited January 20, 2011 by OzMick

[HAL9000]

Islam is the only religion that has a propaganda department working full-time to tell you it is not doing what it is doing.

It is not a real religion, but rather an expansionist political ideology. The first principle of Islam is that the entire world must submit to Allah and follow the Sunna of Mohammad.

Islam divides the world into the House of Islam and the House of War (non-Muslim areas). Shrinking of House of Islam area is not allowed, and as such, in Islamic doctrine, territory lost to Thailand must be reclaimed.]

To pacify the region, Islam needs to be outlawed as a subversive, seditious totalitarian system, like Nazism or Communism.

General MacArthur successfully dealt with Shinto as a violent religion with the Bunce Directive, also known as the Shinto Directive. In it, people were allowed to remain Shintos for personal, private devotion, but Shintoism was outlawed in the public, in politics, and education.

http://www.citizenwarrior.com/2010/08/robert-spencer-proposed-realistic.html

[SteeleJoe]

The Thai army (all the armed forces in general) has always been a "paper tiger." Basically only good for putting on fancy uniforms and parading around Bangkok on national holidays and killing unarmed student demonstrators. Got its butt kicked by the Burmese 400 years ago, has been continually loosing national territory to colonial and neighboring countries over the past couple hundred years, got its butt kicked again by the Lao Army (yeah, the Lao Army) a couple decades ago, and is now getting its face rubbed in it in the south.

You forgot the Japs in WWII. Every time I go past Victory Monument with its aviator, I try to recall a victory in the last century. Still working on it.

The monument is meant to glorify Thailand's relative success in its conflict with the colonial French of Indochina wherein, by attacking what was perceived as a weakened French presence (due the occupation of the homeland by the Germans and Japanese takeover of French Indochina) they regained territory previously given to the French decades earlier.

Too bad everything they got back -- thanks to their Japanese sponsors -- they had to give back to the French when the Japanese lost the war. (The price you pay for backing the wrong horse. Then again, the Thais got off pretty lightly for that -- thanks to the Americans.)

As for the analysis of Thai military prowess throughout its history...well...while I'm not necessarily saying that your opinion is entirely unjustified, I suggest you leave that sort of thing to someone with perhaps a bit more knowledge and/or objectivity. And you might also consider that conflating a Siamese Army of 450 years ago to the Thai military of the 20th and 21st century is ridiculous; they may fare better, worse, or equal in comparison but they are completely seperate entities in every single way.

(Both of you forgot Vietnam, by the way. And the fact that the Siamese didn't always lose to the Burmese. Or the Laos. Or the Khmers.)

[SteeleJoe]

dam_n, I knew I was too tired to post anything...I didn't mean to imply that Vietnam was a victory for Thai forces. (But there were Thai troops who fought well there.)

[bangon04]

SOUTH CRISIS

Separatists steal 50 guns during Wednesday attack

By The Nation

Separatist militants who launched a fatal attack on an army task force unit in Narathiwat on Wednesday night have stolen about 50 guns and 4,000 rounds of ammunition.

Humilating......

Perhaps it is time to think about taking away the RTA's real weapons, and maybe replacing them with ceremonial sticks in the shape of guns.

There are several advantages, cheaper than buying replacements every time the soldiers give their guns away, less dangerous for the general public, more difficult to kill civilians from ethnic minorities, and certainly less humiliating in future because they have a good excuse when they are attacked by people who know complicated things like tactics, shooting accurately, motivation and dedication to duty etc etc

[Asa]

Blame it on the big fat generals back in Bangkok!

Thai troopers have become weak and weaker over years by these generals and politicians. Lost fight with Laos at Rom Klao, losing eastern territory to Khmer are the most obvious how weak they are. Lacks of equipment, strategic improvement, and coordination further down grade their ability to protect even their camps and themselves. SHAME on the " we already have the information it's coming, we know all" Thai government, Big Fat Army Generals.

For those victimized soldiers, RIP. Wish you had better chance to fight for our country.

[exona]

Perhaps it is time to think about taking away the RTA's real weapons, and maybe replacing them with ceremonial sticks in the shape of guns.

There are several advantages, cheaper than buying replacements every time the soldiers give their guns away, less dangerous for the general public, more difficult to kill civilians from ethnic minorities, and certainly less humiliating in future because they have a good excuse when they are attacked by people who know complicated things like tactics, shooting accurately, motivation and dedication to duty etc etc

Dude all I can say is Bangon........... :jap:

[webfact]

Suspects in Narathiwat Army Base Attack Arrested

Police have arrested five men suspected of involvement in the attack on an army base that killed four soldiers in Narathiwat province.

Meanwhile, a bomb went off in Pattani, injuring two policemen.

The explosion took place on Baan Changhaitok Khoke Pho Road in Pattani's Khoke Pho district this morning.

he blast threw police's pick-up truck on patrol into a roadside ditch and its front was badly damaged.

The explosion also left a two meters wide hole and pieces of metal shrapnel from the exploded bomb were found scattered all over the area.

The blast injured 43 year old Police Senior Sergeant Major Udom Kasem and 38 year old Police Sergeant Major Bukree Mina, both from Khoke Pho police station.

They were sent to Khoke Pho Hospital for medical treatment.

Meanwhile, at Bang Nara Temple in Narathiwat's Muang district last night, Fourth Army Region Commander Lieutenant General Udomchai Thammasarorat presided over a bathing ceremony for the bodies of Captain Krit Khamphirayan, Sergeant Thewarat Thewa and Private Prawit Chuklin, who were killed in the attack on an army base in Narathiwat provinve on Wednesday's night.

Many other state officials, police, soldiers as well as local people also participated in the rite.

Captain Krit and his subordinates have launched community activities since 2005 and his dedication has won love and respect of both Buddhist and Muslim people in the province.

The commander granted one million baht in state financial assistance to each of the families of the victims.

Captain Krit's elder sister Colonel Rawi-orn Khamphirayan said that she and her family felt sorry for the incident because her brother was determined to work in the southern border provinces.

However, she is very proud with her brother's dedication.

In the latest development, police have arrested five suspects believed to have been involved in the attack and the investigation is in progress.

Police are working to gather more evidence and more arrest warrants are expected to be issued within the next few days.

Police believe that the attack was meant to mark the 23rd anniversary of the change of a southern insurgent group's name on January 20, 1987, from BNPP to BIPP.

-- Tan Network 2011-01-21