Army fumes over 'inhuman attack'

[Lite Beer]

Army fumes over 'inhuman attack'
The Nation on Sunday


Soldiers secure and examine the site where a military vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb detonated by suspected Muslim insurgents in Yala yesterday. Eight soldiers were killed in the attack.

YALA: -- Eight soldiers killed, two injured as military truck is destroyed by powerful bomb in Yala; Prayuth urges people to denounce such acts as doubts arise about fragile peace process

The Army and the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) yesterday strongly denounced the latest insurgent attack in the deep South that left eight soldiers dead and two others injured.

The latest attack raised questions over the durability of a fragile peace process that aims to end the near-decade long insurgency in the restive Muslim-majority region.

A powerful roadside explosion occurred in Yala's Krongpinang district in the morning when a military truck carrying the soldiers was passing. The truck was almost completely destroyed by the home-made bomb, concealed in two fire extinguishers and believed by experts to contain 50 kilograms of explosives each.

The soldiers were returning to their camp in Nakhon Sawan after completing their time in the deep South.

Army commander-in-chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha described the latest insurgent attack as an "inhuman act" and called on the public to denounce such acts, according to Army deputy spokesman Colonel Winchai Suwari.

He said most people in the three southern border provinces and other parts of the country disagreed with such acts of violence by the insurgents.

The Isoc's Southern Advance Office yesterday issued a statement denouncing the violent attack, saying it was caused by repeated distortions of religious principles by certain extremists. The statement said the latest attack would deeply affect the feelings of local residents.

Meanwhile, local authorities ordered increased security measures in the southern border provinces following the deadly attack, which came shortly after an insurgent attack in nearby Songkhla province.

Attacks occur almost daily despite the government's ongoing efforts to engage in talks with Muslim militants. Earlier this month, the Thai government and Muslim separatist negotiators said they hoped to curb violence in the region during the upcoming Muslim fasting month.

Thailand began talks with some separatist leaders in April, but other groups have not participated and regular attacks continue in the Muslim-majority region of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces.

More than 5,700 people have been killed in a festering insurgency in Thailand's Muslim-majority deep South provinces, but optimism for peace flickered recently after talks between authorities and some rebel groups, including the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

The bombing, among the deadliest attacks by rebels on Thai security forces in recent years, ripped through the military truck.

"It was a very powerful bomb that completely destroyed the truck," spokesman Colonel Pramote Promin said.

"Ten soldiers were in the truck. Eight died and two were wounded," he said, adding that two villagers were also injured in the blast.

"It's likely the biggest loss for our military so far this year."

Local media reports said the bomb weighed more than 50 kilograms, backing up the view of experts who say the rebels are becoming increasingly sophisticated in carrying out bomb attacks.

Near-daily assaults on security forces and civilians have continued despite a successful round of talks on June 14 that saw both sides agree to work towards curbing violence over Ramadan.

But prospects for a significant reduction in violence appeared to receive a blow last week after the BRN called for the Army to return to their bases during Ramadan in exchange for a ceasefire during the holy month, a condition swiftly rejected by the Thai government.

Questions also linger over whether the BRN representatives negotiating with Thai authorities are capable of reining-in violence by an increasingly battle-hardened and brutal younger generation of rebels believed to be behind much of the worst violence in Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani provinces.

The majority of lives lost due to the insurgency are those of civilians. Many locals complain of a long history of discrimination by Thai authorities in the Buddhist-majority nation.

Security personnel and those connected with the government - including teachers - are regularly targeted in the attacks, as well as Muslims perceived to be collaborating with the authorities.

-- The Nation 2013-06-30

[PoodMaiDai]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

[Thai at Heart]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

It's a matter of time.

[NongKhaiKid]

This happened yesterday and the BBC are actually covering it which is unusual as they rarely mention the carnage in the south yet all but suspended normal programming for the Boston Marathon bomb.

Just a thought though, does anyone know if the government restricts international reporting on the south maybe seeing it as some sort of failure, bad publicity ?

[Loptr]

Welcome to the real world. The "religion of peace" favorite method to get the attention of infidels. Hardly anything new here and they have been using this tactic for decades. Just ask any ex-military man that is getting around on stumps.

[simple1]

This happened yesterday and the BBC are actually covering it which is unusual as they rarely mention the carnage in the south yet all but suspended normal programming for the Boston Marathon bomb.

Just a thought though, does anyone know if the government restricts international reporting on the south maybe seeing it as some sort of failure, bad publicity ?

No restrictions on international reporting - conflict in the deep South been covered by the Economist, CNN, Time Magazine etc etc.

[chooka]

This happened yesterday and the BBC are actually covering it which is unusual as they rarely mention the carnage in the south yet all but suspended normal programming for the Boston Marathon bomb.

Just a thought though, does anyone know if the government restricts international reporting on the south maybe seeing it as some sort of failure, bad publicity ?

It would effect tourism and bad for image and Thailand doesn't like it's true image displayed to the world.

[harryfrompattaya]

Welcome to the real world. The "religion of peace" favorite method to get the attention of infidels. Hardly anything new here and they have been using this tactic for decades. Just ask any ex-military man that is getting around on stumps.

Yes it may be time for Thailand to realize they have the same problem as Isreal, Russians, Chineses, and United States, but for different reason I wish them the best

[whybother]

This happened yesterday and the BBC are actually covering it which is unusual as they rarely mention the carnage in the south yet all but suspended normal programming for the Boston Marathon bomb.

Just a thought though, does anyone know if the government restricts international reporting on the south maybe seeing it as some sort of failure, bad publicity ?

How would the government restrict international reporting?

When something IS reported that they don't like, they'll usually complain and make it bigger news.

[seajae]

until such time as the thai govt starts to actually do positive things about this instead of cowtailing to the terrorists and doing their bidding this will keep happening. The govt need to issue shoot to kill orders, actually capture or arrest these killers and sentence them to death. They know who these people are but refuse to do anything, they are totally pathetic and need a strong leader that will not backdown, if they keep letting the terrorists do as they please we will see major cities attacked next. The govt are cowards and too scared to do anything in case they themselves are targetted, well thats part of being a leader, grow some balls and stop thinking with your bank accounts.

[A Member]

This happened yesterday and the BBC are actually covering it which is unusual as they rarely mention the carnage in the south yet all but suspended normal programming for the Boston Marathon bomb.

Just a thought though, does anyone know if the government restricts international reporting on the south maybe seeing it as some sort of failure, bad publicity ?

How would the government restrict international reporting?

When something IS reported that they don't like, they'll usually complain and make it bigger news.

With the Thai attitude to face and showing everything is just so the south represents the fact that Thailand is not completely tranquil and that the government and security forces are not in full control. Not the sort of thing Thailand wants to be shown.

[slapout]

The headline "inhuman" says it all. as the way the southern problem is viewed by the Thai military and those other entities ,throwing more stones in this police action/street fight..

There are two kinds of fighters in this type of fight, the dirty and the loser. You cannot set in a Bangkok meeting room, have a committe decide what action to take, when few if any have any hands on experience in this type of thing, try to secure support votes, and change out the leadership on a whime. Playground rules do not apply nor will the input from of the majority of the local layabouts being called on to find a solution...

[ttwitt]

hmmm... what brand of tyres are they using? i dont think theres any questions over the tyres durability.

Edited June 30, 2013 by ttwitt

[manhattan55]

Welcome to the real world. The "religion of peace" favorite method to get the attention of infidels. Hardly anything new here and they have been using this tactic for decades. Just ask any ex-military man that is getting around on stumps.

lt's not that simple. The conflict in the South is multilayered. It involves political motives as well as criminal activities (drugs, oil, humans) by organised groups who are intertwined with law enforcement officials and politicians on both sides of the Thai-Malay border. As with many things in Thailand, what you 'see' is not necessarily what you 'get'.

[Dararasmi]

I was certain the dropping of a hundred million origami peace birds would have ended all this.

[hansnl]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

It's a matter of time.

The Government thinks, like most of the world, that a dialog between the Government and the terrorists might bring peace.

It will NEVER happen.

The south is riddled with arab & islam figures who will do anything to reach their goal.

And talking, in their eyes, is a sign of weakness.

[muratremix]

Muslim insurgents? They are clearly Terrorists by western definitions.

[Utley]

Army fumes over 'inhuman attack'

How does one conduct a "humane" attack? Just asking.

Edited June 30, 2013 by Utley

[chuang]

They should seek advice from Isreal...

[SouthernMan3]

Will Yinglak visit like Obama would ?

[tomross46]

They should seek advice from Israel.

They do not need advice from Israel, they just need to follow the actions used by the Malaysian VAT, in the 50's and 60's. Gen Black Jack Pershing had another way in the Philippines. Though if those types of countermeasures were used the human rights watch organizations, HRW, would be screaming. Why is it that when terrorist kill innocent people they say nothing. Let a soldier shoot a terrorist human right watch raises hell.

That is like what also has happened in Thailand, it is OK to kill yellow shirts, but you can not shoot at a red shirt. In the past police killed yellow shirts and nothing happened. The red shirts assisted in the overthrow the the government and now the military and former government is being punished for supporting democracy, Human Rights Watch said nothing about these terrorist activities, Chalerm has already told the press that General Sedang was killed by police snipers, and that the men in black were police. HRW nothing.

Edited June 30, 2013 by tomross46

[SouthernMan3]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

Don't give them any ideas please.

[SouthernMan3]

until such time as the thai govt starts to actually do positive things about this instead of cowtailing to the terrorists and doing their bidding this will keep happening. The govt need to issue shoot to kill orders, actually capture or arrest these killers and sentence them to death. They know who these people are but refuse to do anything, they are totally pathetic and need a strong leader that will not backdown, if they keep letting the terrorists do as they please we will see major cities attacked next. The govt are cowards and too scared to do anything in case they themselves are targetted, well thats part of being a leader, grow some balls and stop thinking with your bank accounts.

Very well and truly stated !

[Just1Voice]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

As someone else commented - "Give them time." I told my wife a long time ago that it's only a matter of time before you start having bombs go off in heavily trafficked and populated areas in BKK. And when it starts, all hell is going to break loose.

[English_M_in_Bkk]

They should seek advice from Israel.

They do not need advice from Israel, they just need to follow the actions used by the Malaysian VAT, in the 50's and 60's. Gen Black Jack Pershing had another way in the Philippines. Though if those types of countermeasures were used the human rights watch organizations, HRW, would be screaming. Why is it that when terrorist kill innocent people they say nothing. Let a soldier shoot a terrorist human right watch raises hell.

That is like what also has happened in Thailand, it is OK to kill yellow shirts, but you can not shoot at a red shirt. In the past police killed yellow shirts and nothing happened. The red shirts assisted in the overthrow the the government and now the military and former government is being punished for supporting democracy, Human Rights Watch said nothing about these terrorist activities, Chalerm has already told the press that General Sedang was killed by police snipers, and that the men in black were police. HRW nothing.

actually HRW routinely condemn terrorist organizations, both non-government and government. Get your facts straight

[hellodolly]

until such time as the thai govt starts to actually do positive things about this instead of cowtailing to the terrorists and doing their bidding this will keep happening. The govt need to issue shoot to kill orders, actually capture or arrest these killers and sentence them to death. They know who these people are but refuse to do anything, they are totally pathetic and need a strong leader that will not backdown, if they keep letting the terrorists do as they please we will see major cities attacked next. The govt are cowards and too scared to do anything in case they themselves are targetted, well thats part of being a leader, grow some balls and stop thinking with your bank accounts.

Not sure if I can agree with you on that. In the first place I don't believe the government know who the people are. But the citizens do. If the Government puts to much pressure on them they will just move as lot of their terrorism north to Bangkok where they can do some real damage. Even here in Chiang Mai I believe they have supporters.

The government can end this by peaceful means win the citizens over to there side and they will tell who the terroists are. as is now they make no attempt to do so.

[hellodolly]

Welcome to the real world. The "religion of peace" favorite method to get the attention of infidels. Hardly anything new here and they have been using this tactic for decades. Just ask any ex-military man that is getting around on stumps.

lt's not that simple. The conflict in the South is multilayered. It involves political motives as well as criminal activities (drugs, oil, humans) by organised groups who are intertwined with law enforcement officials and politicians on both sides of the Thai-Malay border. As with many things in Thailand, what you 'see' is not necessarily what you 'get'.

Basically it is that simple. Take away the religious angle and it would all fall apart. You are forgetting that Islam does not separate itself from politics.

The rest you will find the world over even in countries where they do not have terrorists.

[Emdog]

Brought to mind line from 60's Richard Lester film "How I won the war". Went something like "What we need is more humane killers".

[simple1]

They should seek advice from Israel.

They do not need advice from Israel, they just need to follow the actions used by the Malaysian VAT, in the 50's and 60's. Gen Black Jack Pershing had another way in the Philippines. Though if those types of countermeasures were used the human rights watch organizations, HRW, would be screaming. Why is it that when terrorist kill innocent people they say nothing. Let a soldier shoot a terrorist human right watch raises hell.

That is like what also has happened in Thailand, it is OK to kill yellow shirts, but you can not shoot at a red shirt. In the past police killed yellow shirts and nothing happened. The red shirts assisted in the overthrow the the government and now the military and former government is being punished for supporting democracy, Human Rights Watch said nothing about these terrorist activities, Chalerm has already told the press that General Sedang was killed by police snipers, and that the men in black were police. HRW nothing.

actually HRW routinely condemn terrorist organizations, both non-government and government. Get your facts straight

To underline your observation - HRW condemned the insurgency attacks against civilians as late as 14/05/2013; a quote: “Insurgents who explode bombs in urban areas that indiscriminately kill and maim civilians are committing war crimes, which deserve universal condemnation,” Adams said. “The perpetrators of these heinous crimes should be arrested and prosecuted.” URL http://www.hrw.org/news/2013/05/14/thailand-rebels-target-children-southern-conflict

Also tomross46 needs to seperate fact from fiction regarding Pershings means of suppression of the Muslim rebels in the Philippines.

Edited June 30, 2013 by simple1

[BuddyPinkham]

That is quite a blast. Seems the bombs are getting bigger and bigger.

I cringe at the thought of the day when these extremist bring the fight into Bangkok and start targeting populated areas. Hopefully, that will never happen.

But we all know it will. Just sit and wait.