PM calls for more safety zones in South

Olarn Lertrattanadamrongkul,

Amornrat Khemkhao

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has urged that operations to curb the unrest in the South be adjusted, including the addition of more "safety zones" to increase security in community and commercial areas, Deputy PM Yutthasak Sasiprapha said yesterday.

The added measures would be funded by the three southernmost provinces' budgets.

The move follows a car bombing in Narathiwat's Sungai Kolok district last Friday - the first day of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan - which injured eight people.

Yutthasak said a workshop would be held in early August to discuss the additional zones. He said Yingluck wanted authorities to fund the adjusted operations using the remaining funds in the three southernmost provinces' budgets for this fiscal year.

Officials continued to investigate reports that insurgents were holding meetings to plan attacks during Ramadan. Officials were also looking for stolen vehicles, Yutthasak said, and would install a recently approved batch of 300 closed-circuit TV cameras soon.

Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha, after a meeting with Narathiwat officials yesterday to assess the situation and adjust operations, said military officials in the restive region were doing their best and no one should say anything to dishearten them. He said they had to perform around 3,500 missions a day, so it was understandable that mistakes could occur. When they did, they would be addressed, he said.

More checkpoints would be set up and more rapid-deployment units would be dispatched to inspect areas where additional security cameras were installed, Prayuth said, adding that military officials had also trained police and members of the public in area-protection strategies.

-- The Nation 2012-07-25

Thai Buddhist army should stop messing with the Muslim population in the South.

Just like American in Vietnam, the locals might not want/need your protection (for your own benefits).

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by chotthee

Can I suggest rope and netting barriers across all major rivers downstream of water retention structures to prevent explosive laden boats attempting Ramadam attacks.

Can I suggest rope and netting barriers across all major rivers downstream of water retention structures to prevent explosive laden boats attempting Ramadam attacks.

And get some fishes for free too.

What exactly is a safety zone and how are they created? Does it simply mean flood an area with troops or is it a negotiated area which both sides agree not to use as a battle ground?

Edited July 25, 201213 yr by Bluespunk

It'd be unnerving to know that there are "safety zones" in your province, and that you and your family don't live in one of them.

Maybe her brother shouldn't have slaughtered peaceful protesters in Tak Bai and they wouldn't be in the mess there in now

While the P.M. is in an "URGING" mood, perhaps she could "urge " her brother to return and face Justice. She is no doubt in touch with him frequently.

It's nice to see we have a smart girl running the country. Why hasn't anyone else come up with this idea before? Just make more 'safety zones'! And don't even offer to pay for it... they can do that themselves.

Thai Buddhist army should stop messing with the Muslim population in the South.

Just like American in Vietnam, the locals might not want/need your protection (for your own benefits).

There were local Muslim Army personnel in the task forces as well ya' drongo!