Pm Says Curfew Yet To Be Decided As Five Killed In Yala

[Lite Beer]

PM says curfew yet to be decided as five killed in Yala

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday left the door open for night curfews in hot spots in the restless deep South as part of a review of security operations. "The decision on a curfew will hinge on the evaluation of specific conditions in a given area," she said.

"There was no rush to force residents to remain indoors as the curfew would be imposed as a last resort after other measures failed to curb the insurgent violence, she said.

The security assessment would explore what more should be done to smother the attacks, such as deploying additional bomb detectors and government forces.

newsjs

Security agencies were gauging the security risk at each locality and she would study their recommendations before finalising her decision on a curfew.

She was speaking to reporters after a car bomb left five troops dead and one severely wounded in Yala's Raman district.

Police suspect it was the work of a terrorist group led by Abdul Rohing Da-eso, also known as Ustaz Rohing Asong.

Police said that the explosive was

detonated by remote control when a six-wheel truck passed by carrying six soldiers from Yala Task Force 12 to provide an escort for workers at a pig farm.

Some six unidentified militants arrived at the scene and made off with five assault rifles belonging to the troops.

The device was assembled in a pickup truck stolen from Somsak Kwanma, the teacher who was shot dead in an insurgency attack in December.

Colonel Pramote Prom-in, a deputy spokesman for Internal Security Operations Command Division 4, said officials and villagers in the area were in a state of shock, as the unidentified militants had disguised themselves as soldiers.

Instead of helping the bomb victims, they suddenly shot and finished them off.

-- The Nation 2013-02-11

[Siripon]

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

[Locationthailand]

More inept time wasting from a govt with no answers on how to handle the issues in the south. Some serious mercenaries are needed in my opinion as thousands of troops have been ineffective.

[Lite Beer]

Curfew for Thailand’s far South on Friday agenda

By English News

BANGKOK, Feb 11 – Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubumrung said today a curfew in selected areas in Thailand’s far South will be discussed in a meeting of all security-related agencies this Friday.

Mr Chalerm earlier floated the idea in light of repeated violence and attacks on the public and government forces in the South, especially in the three Muslim-predominant provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Some members of the military and civilians in the deep South have expressed disagreement with the proposal.

Mr Chalerm said points of view of the Internal Security Operations Command and other agencies will be taken into consideration before a decision is made.

If no decision is made this Friday, we will wait for two more weeks for a conclusion, he said.

“Statistics have shown that [most] violence occurred during daytime. The insurgents mostly spend the night preparing for their attacks on the next day. A curfew will make it inconvenient for the insurgents and instigators,” Mr Chalerm said.

“Civilians who have to leave their residences at dusk can seek special permission from the authorities.”

He said curfew will be imposed in selected risk-prone areas and it can be abolished if the enforcement does not help improve the situation.

The opposition Democrat Party disagreed with the proposed curfew, while Mr Chalerm said he is willing to listen to constructive proposals from the Democrats.

The Democrats’ suggestions will be implemented if endorsed by the government’s security agencies and the party will get the credit for it, he said.

A string of attacks in the South over the weekend which killed five soldiers and two civilians, and injured more than 10 others prompted the government and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to advocate a call for the curfew. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2013-02-11

[aussiebebe]

Like Siripon wrote, the Thai government should hold a referendum in the affected provinces and consider the views of the population. I have little confidence that participation would be free from coercion but that's Thailand for you. The age-old idea of a canal running through that area wouldn't go amiss. Thailand would benefit economically from a canal, pay compensation for those who wish to relocate and then let the new Muslim provinces get on with it.

[NoshowJones]

Like Siripon wrote, the Thai government should hold a referendum in the affected provinces and consider the views of the population. I have little confidence that participation would be free from coercion but that's Thailand for you. The age-old idea of a canal running through that area wouldn't go amiss. Thailand would benefit economically from a canal, pay compensation for those who wish to relocate and then let the new Muslim provinces get on with it.

You will never stop trouble where there's Muslims, they come in to countries, then they multiply, build their Mosques, want that country to change things to suit them, the people of that country then have to tiptoe round them and be careful not to upset their religious beliefs, if the country doesn't suit them, then the killings and bombings start. I have Farang friends who have Muslim friends and are always saying you couldn't meet nicer people. Fine, I have no gripe with anyone following their religion, just as long as they don't interfere with anyone else.

[zxray]

The only thing that muslims have ever contributed to society, is hate, I believe it was thier invention!

[gerry1011]

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

You seem much more intelligent than Chalerm and you seem to have a much better knowledge of what is happening in the south than him.

So, what would be your plan to get out of this long time problem?

Let's say that the government follows your wise advice, makes a survey, and finds out that 50% wishes to remain in Thailand and 50% not. Or 40/60, 75/25, 20/80, 80/20... 95/05... Then what would you propose? What, in your opinion, is the next step to make these killings stop?

I, and everyone else, will be happy to read you well thought analysis about this and hope that your help will finally allow the country to get out of the crisis.

Because, honestly, on my side I cannot be of any help. I feel lost when, for example, I read this in a report on internet: "I...a News reports today that from Jan 4, 2004 until Jan 31, 2011 there were 4,186 deaths of which 1,737 were Buddhists and 2,331 were Muslims."

It looks like "the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for..." both sides...

[kimamey]

The only thing that muslims have ever contributed to society, is hate, I believe it was thier invention!

Religious hatred has been around for so long I think it's impossible to claim Muslims invented it. Muslims may be getting all the attention right now but the other major religions have been just as bad in the distant past. Even in recent times non Muslim religions have shown their hatred and brutality. You only have to look at the conflict between Serbs and Croats or between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland to see this.

The Muslim fundamentalists who are largely responsible for the problems in the south of Thailand and many other areas aren't typical of all Muslims. Don't forget that in places like Afghanistan the majority of those killed by Muslims are Muslims themselves. Islam isn't one big happy family fighting against the non Islamic world.

You should do a search for Muslim inventions to see what they've contributed. You could also try Muslim adaptations as they've also taken the ideas of others and adapted and spread them.

Whilst you may criticise all Muslims for a hatred only a minority feel you should also recognised your own indiscriminate dislike of all Muslims based on the actions of a minority.

[h90]

More inept time wasting from a govt with no answers on how to handle the issues in the south. Some serious mercenaries are needed in my opinion as thousands of troops have been ineffective.

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

Make the curfew on the day....problem fixed.

this one of higher intelligence is responsible for the 3000 deads in the war against drugs and partially also for the hate of the southern Muslim.

Better he would take another glass of ear medicine and does nothing....

[FarangTalk]

between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland to see this.

I think it is worth pointing out that many more people have been killed in Thailand's South since 2003 than in all of the 39 years of the 'Troubles in Northern Ireland'. There have been well over 5,000 people killed so far.

Just to give people an idea of the scale of the conflict.

[rubl]

Just saw n article on the other newspaper's site. Seems Dept. PM Pol. Captain Chalerm said something like 'if it doesn't work we can lift it again'.

I really appreciate it when the government seems to make such well thought-through decisions.

[Siripon]

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

You seem much more intelligent than Chalerm and you seem to have a much better knowledge of what is happening in the south than him.

So, what would be your plan to get out of this long time problem?

Let's say that the government follows your wise advice, makes a survey, and finds out that 50% wishes to remain in Thailand and 50% not. Or 40/60, 75/25, 20/80, 80/20... 95/05... Then what would you propose? What, in your opinion, is the next step to make these killings stop?

I, and everyone else, will be happy to read you well thought analysis about this and hope that your help will finally allow the country to get out of the crisis.

Because, honestly, on my side I cannot be of any help. I feel lost when, for example, I read this in a report on internet: "I...a News reports today that from Jan 4, 2004 until Jan 31, 2011 there were 4,186 deaths of which 1,737 were Buddhists and 2,331 were Muslims."

It looks like "the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for..." both sides...

I feel despair as you do but something must be done, these killing should not be allowed to continue.

We have to know what the locals think and feel .I believe the population is 80% Muslim in the 3 provinces so the police, army and civil servants in the region should be composed of 80% Muslims.Whether they want independence or not can wait, but the 3 provinces should be given considerable powers of autonomy so the authorities are proud to serve and cannot be accused of being Bangkok's lackeys.

Thus the locals must be able to trust the authorities, creating an identity together, a pride in their region to isolate the gunmen.

These are the first steps to take but egomaniacs like Chalerm who has never spent any time in the deep south will never listen to talk of autonomy. Even yesterday he said he may lift the curfew if it doesn't work- wow! he has such confidence in his well thought out plan!

Thailand's got talent but it suffers terrible politicians, our Prime Minister even thought Had Yai was a province!

Ignorance right at the top.

[OzMick]

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

You seem much more intelligent than Chalerm and you seem to have a much better knowledge of what is happening in the south than him.

So, what would be your plan to get out of this long time problem?

Let's say that the government follows your wise advice, makes a survey, and finds out that 50% wishes to remain in Thailand and 50% not. Or 40/60, 75/25, 20/80, 80/20... 95/05... Then what would you propose? What, in your opinion, is the next step to make these killings stop?

I, and everyone else, will be happy to read you well thought analysis about this and hope that your help will finally allow the country to get out of the crisis.

Because, honestly, on my side I cannot be of any help. I feel lost when, for example, I read this in a report on internet: "I...a News reports today that from Jan 4, 2004 until Jan 31, 2011 there were 4,186 deaths of which 1,737 were Buddhists and 2,331 were Muslims."

It looks like "the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for..." both sides...

I feel despair as you do but something must be done, these killing should not be allowed to continue.

We have to know what the locals think and feel .I believe the population is 80% Muslim in the 3 provinces so the police, army and civil servants in the region should be composed of 80% Muslims............(snipped)

Can we do without the PC please. 50% of the local population are women and girls - should the security forces reflect that as well, or use the best trained people available?

[simple1]

Most of the killings seem to happen in the day, how will a curfew help stop this? It will only irk muslims wishing to pray, rubber tappers wanting to tap trees, etc.

Bereft of ideas, this government hasn't a clue about the deep south.

Chalerm should hand his post to someone of higher intelligence

It has been plain for sometime the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for Buddhists.

Does the government wish to prevent this? Perhaps it's time to conduct a survey asking what percentage of the population in the 3 provinces wishes to remain with Thailand. And proceed from the results.

You seem much more intelligent than Chalerm and you seem to have a much better knowledge of what is happening in the south than him.

So, what would be your plan to get out of this long time problem?

Let's say that the government follows your wise advice, makes a survey, and finds out that 50% wishes to remain in Thailand and 50% not. Or 40/60, 75/25, 20/80, 80/20... 95/05... Then what would you propose? What, in your opinion, is the next step to make these killings stop?

I, and everyone else, will be happy to read you well thought analysis about this and hope that your help will finally allow the country to get out of the crisis.

Because, honestly, on my side I cannot be of any help. I feel lost when, for example, I read this in a report on internet: "I...a News reports today that from Jan 4, 2004 until Jan 31, 2011 there were 4,186 deaths of which 1,737 were Buddhists and 2,331 were Muslims."

It looks like "the killers are attempting to make the 3 provinces unliveable for..." both sides...

I feel despair as you do but something must be done, these killing should not be allowed to continue.

We have to know what the locals think and feel .I believe the population is 80% Muslim in the 3 provinces so the police, army and civil servants in the region should be composed of 80% Muslims.Whether they want independence or not can wait, but the 3 provinces should be given considerable powers of autonomy so the authorities are proud to serve and cannot be accused of being Bangkok's lackeys.

Thus the locals must be able to trust the authorities, creating an identity together, a pride in their region to isolate the gunmen.

These are the first steps to take but egomaniacs like Chalerm who has never spent any time in the deep south will never listen to talk of autonomy. Even yesterday he said he may lift the curfew if it doesn't work- wow! he has such confidence in his well thought out plan!

Thailand's got talent but it suffers terrible politicians, our Prime Minister even thought Had Yai was a province!

Ignorance right at the top.

As far as I am aware the 'insurgents" have yet to openly present their agenda in the public domain. It is generally assumed they are seeking autonomy, not independence from Thailand and a few senior Thai politicians had agreed to consider this option, but the military have rejected this approach. I recall a while back a poll was undertaken & 80% of the locals perceived themselves as Thais & did not want an independent State.

Media reports say the leaders of the four main insurgent groups have not made themselves available for negotiations; so presently it's as clear as mud as to the "road map for peace" In the meantime as others have said follow the money to understand some of the basic motivation for the ongoing violence.

Edited February 12, 2013 by simple1

[kimamey]

between the Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland to see this.

I think it is worth pointing out that many more people have been killed in Thailand's South since 2003 than in all of the 39 years of the 'Troubles in Northern Ireland'. There have been well over 5,000 people killed so far.

Just to give people an idea of the scale of the conflict.

I've just done a quick check on the figures and it seems you're right. Puts it in perspective doesn't it?