Army Chief Visits South, Orders Tightened Security Ahead Of Ramadan

Army Chief Visits South, Orders Tightened Security Ahead of Ramadan

The army chief orders tightened surveillance ahead of the Ramadan period to ensure the safety of people performing religious rites.

Army Chief General Prayudh Chan-o-cha flew to Pattani Province yesterday for a meeting with the front unit of Region Four Internal Security Operation Command, or ISOC.

Prayudh said the situation in the southern border region is improving given the drop in the number of the security charges, but the degree of sabotage is higher.

The general said security officers are continuing to tackle violence in the region and they have kept a close watch for the transfer of explosive materials.

They suggest that smuggling of illegal oil and drugs is included in insurgent activities.

The Army chief went on to say he has instructed Region Four ISOC to be on alert ahead of the Ramadan period, particularly for surveillance on roads.

He accredited the Region Four Army for the reduction of violence in large communities in the far south, and said he has instructed his subordinates to increase security measures for those people going out to perform religious ceremonies during Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Region Four ISOC front unit, Major General Benjarong Chareonporn presided over the bathing rite for the remains of Yala 15th Special Task Force Sergeant Saroj Srithi, who was killed in a motorcycle bomb attack in Bannangstar District on July 19.

The attack also injured a dozen villagers, students, and officers.

The family of the late sergeant has been paid compensation from ISOC, Yala's center for the rehabilitation of victims of violence, and the operation center of the southern border police.

-- Tan Network 2011-07-22