Militants kill monk and three civilians in Pattani

[webfact]

Militants kill monk and three civilians



PATTANI: -- Four southern militants sprayed bullets from their assault rifles at a group of Buddhists while they were offering alms to monks in Mae Larn district of Pattani province this morning, killing a monk and three locals.

Six persons and a police were also injured in the attack.

Soldiers keeping guard to the villagers retaliated with gunfire wounding one of the militants, but they all managed to escape in two motorcycles.

Combined force of soldiers, police and defense volunteers are combing suspected areas late this morning to hunt down the militants who they believed were hiding in nearby village.

The attack on Buddhists happened at about 6.30 a.m. today as a group of Buddhist locals were gathering at a roadside pavilion to offer alms to monks.

The militants came in two motorcycles and the pillion riders drew out assault rifles and sprayed bullets at the crowd.

One monk and two Buddhist local were killed on the spot, and seven others, including a police, were injured. All were later rushed to Mae Larn hospital where one of the injured was pronounced dead on arrival.

The dead included a boy Thitiwat Chunkliang and his mother Somchai.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/militants-kill-monk-three-civilians/


-- Thai PBS 2014-02-13

[mightyatom]

Deeply disturbing problems that this government continue to turn a blind eye to.

Red shirts could be the next big sectarian problem facing Thailand. They are equally a lunatic organization that believes that terror and intimidation works.

RIP and my deepest sympathy to all affected..

[geriatrickid]

Is it really necessary to try and use this for your political goals?

The Redshirts have nothing to do with this thread, and it's rather petty to try and use this tragedy for political gain.

They are not the ones murdering monks, nor children. The Yellow shirts are not either. Only the southern terrorists are.

If you wish to show respect, you and anyone else who wants to use this to make points in respect to the ongoing protests, think about it, and just stay quiet in respect to this thread. You have dozens of protest related threads to make your spiteful comments in.

Edited February 13, 2014 by geriatrickid

[webfact]

Boy, monk among five killed in Thai south

BANGKOK, February 13, 2014 (AFP) - Suspected Thai militants shot dead five people, including a nine-year-old boy and a Buddhist monk, in the latest attacks in the kingdom's insurgency-torn deep south, police said Thursday.

The killings appeared to be revenge attacks for the recent deaths of three young Muslim brothers.

Four gunmen on motorcycles opened fire at the monk while he was collecting alms in Mae Lan district of Pattani province on Thursday morning, killing him and three villagers including the boy, police said.

Six other people were wounded, including a policeman providing a security escort for the monk.

On Wednesday evening in Pattani's Yaring district, a 29-year-old Buddhist woman riding a motorcycle home from work was shot dead and her body set on fire, police said.

A note left at the scene said: "To the army chief: this is not the last body for the three brothers."

The brothers -- aged three, five and nine -- were gunned down last week in front of their home in neighbouring Narathiwat province after returning from evening prayers at a mosque.

Their pregnant mother and father were also shot in the attack but survived.

In an earlier act of apparent retaliation, a policeman's wife was shot dead and then set on fire in front of terrified shoppers at a busy market on Monday.

The Muslim-dominated region near the border with Malaysia is in the grip of a decade-long insurgency that has claimed more than 5,900 lives, mostly civilians, in near-daily bomb and gun attacks.

Peace talks between rebels and the government have stalled, with officials blaming a political crisis sparked by months of mass opposition protests in Bangkok seeking to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The insurgents want a level of autonomy from Thailand, which annexed the region over a century ago. They accuse Thai authorities of widespread human rights abuses and disrespecting their religion and culture.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-02-13

[simple1]

In Iraq local villagers in Anbar province were armed by the US military to take on the extremists (Sunni Awakening) as the villagers came to the conclusion, due to COIN tactics, the extremist activities were creating a great deal of harm to their communities, at the time the tactic was sucessful.

It has been reported that in the deep South the vast majority of Muslims do not suport the insurgency and desire an end to the killings and discruption to their lives. Its been reported Thai security forces COIN strategy is becoming more effective. Perhaps its time for the Thai government to accelerate engagement, provide better arms, training for vetted members of the Muslim villages to empower them in the fight against insurgent/extremist members.

[HeavyDrinker]

Well put GK.

Nothing to do with Red Shirts. The militants in question here are Islamic Militants well done mighty atom for displaying a colossal amount of ignorance in Thai internal affairs and politics.

A truly horrifying attack. Indiscriminate in their actual targets other than they are Buddhist. Things seem to be escalating in the South with the dreadful attack on the Bangkok Bank employee in Pattani too.

[OMGImInPattaya]

It has been reported that in the deep South the vast majority of Muslims do not suport the insurgency and desire an end to the killings and discruption to their lives. Its been reported Thai security forces COIN strategy is becoming more effective. Perhaps its time for the Thai government to accelerate engagement, provide better arms, training for vetted members of the Muslim villages to empower them in the fight against insurgent/extremist members.

Because these same tactics worked so well for the Americans in Iraq and Vietnam. The Thai occupation army and police forces are having their balls handed to them daily. The shame of it all is with some cultural understanding over the decades and justice for state atrocities committed in the South, most of the deaths could probably have been avoided

No justice, no peace.

[Red Snake]

And they think they have problems in Bangkok. What a damn shame both sides don't do more about what the hell is going on in the deep south.

[webfact]

Buddhist monk, three villagers killed in Pattani shooting
By Digital Content



PATTANI, Feb 13 -- A Buddhist monk and three villagers were killed in Pattani's Mae Lan district in a gun attack this morning after a commercial bank employee was shot and burnt to death yesterday evening.

The attack occurred at Mae Lan sub-district as villagers were giving morning alms to a Buddhist monk from Wat Pa Suay at a pavilion in the heart of the village.

Five assailants, dressed as security personnel, arrived on two motorcycles and shot into a group of villagers.

The monk and three villagers were killed instantly, while a police officer in a monk-protection unit and five villagers were wounded.

The dead were identified as Buddhist monk Phanom Kanont, Somjai Khunkliang, a boy named Thitiwat Khunkliang, and Jamnien Buddharit, 59.

On Wednesday evening, a woman staff employee of a local Bangkok Bank branch was shot dead and burnt in Pattani's Yaring district.

Police said the victim was identified as Rassayamon Saelim, a 29-year-old employee working at the Bank's Nong Chik branch.

She was riding a motorbike along the Pattani-Narathiwat road from the bank to her home in Panare district.

The victim was shot by the unknown number of assailants who then poured petrol on her, and set her body alight.

A handwritten note was left at the scene, saying "To the army chief, this is not the last body for the three slain brothers."

It was believed that the note may refer to the killing of three boys in Narathiwat on Feb 3.

The authorities said the shooting was carried out by the insurgent group, while the insurgents have blamed Thai authorities for the boys' murder. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-02-13

[sms747]

The headline should be ISLAMIC militants slaughter four (more) . But it ignores the truth so as not to 'offend' anyone or to 'inflame' the situation, as if it could get any worse.. Gunning down monks is about as low as you can get, but these murdering cowards think they will go to heaven for it.

Edited February 13, 2014 by sms747

[simon43]

It states that this recent attack was probably made in retaliation for the killing of 3 young Muslim boys on February 3rd.

Can someone please provide me with a link to the news report on that Feb. 3rd killing? I don't recall seeing the report about it.

Thanks

Simon

[simple1]

It states that this recent attack was probably made in retaliation for the killing of 3 young Muslim boys on February 3rd.

Can someone please provide me with a link to the news report on that Feb. 3rd killing? I don't recall seeing the report about it.

Thanks

Simon

Do a search for the report headed "Gunmen slay 3 young boys" in the Bangkok Post dated 04/02/2014

[sms747]

It states that this recent attack was probably made in retaliation for the killing of 3 young Muslim boys on February 3rd.

Can someone please provide me with a link to the news report on that Feb. 3rd killing? I don't recall seeing the report about it.

Thanks

Simon

Do a search for the report headed "Gunmen slay 3 young boys" in the Bangkok Post dated 04/02/2014

so it seems a muslim on muslim killing resulted in a 'revenge' attack on innocent Buddhists, how do they justify that? The father of the boys shot dead somebody to kick it off, the religion of peace knows no bounds!

Pol Maj Gen Pattanawut said initial investigations suggest that a personal conflict was the likely motive behind the shooting because Mr Jehmu had shot dead Mayi Duere, an assistant to the village chief...

[simple1]

It states that this recent attack was probably made in retaliation for the killing of 3 young Muslim boys on February 3rd.

Can someone please provide me with a link to the news report on that Feb. 3rd killing? I don't recall seeing the report about it.

Thanks

Simon

Do a search for the report headed "Gunmen slay 3 young boys" in the Bangkok Post dated 04/02/2014

so it seems a muslim on muslim killing resulted in a 'revenge' attack on innocent Buddhists, how do they justify that? The father of the boys shot dead somebody to kick it off, the religion of peace knows no bounds!

Pol Maj Gen Pattanawut said initial investigations suggest that a personal conflict was the likely motive behind the shooting because Mr Jehmu had shot dead Mayi Duere, an assistant to the village chief...

Don't think justifcation comes into play, just propaganda/spectaculars in their ongoing fight with the Thai State. It would seem the messages at the killing locations are to try and stir up anti Thai State sentiments in an endeavour to gain more recruits.

I would say just about all insurgent / terrorist movements, Islamist or not, use the tactic of killing civilians to apply pressure on the governments they oppose.

Edited February 13, 2014 by simple1

[webfact]

Thai army pledges to bring monk's murderers to justice
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Feb 13 - The spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) said today that the gunmen who shot dead a monk and three villagers in the southern border province of Pattani today would be brought for prosecution.

Gen Banpot Poonpian, the spokesman, said insurgents instigating incidents where a Buddhist monk and villagers were killed and a female bank employee was shot and burnt will be punished to the full extent of the law.

He reasserted that the murder of three Thai boys on Feb 3 was not committed by the Thai authorities as claimed in a hand-written note by alleged assailants.

The ISOC spokesperson also asked the public not to publicise this misleading note.

Gen Banpot asked rhetorically if such violence was lawful and based on international human rights principles, which, of course, he knew it was not. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-02-13

[mightyatom]

The police are bad people, but I doubt they would go to such extreme lengths as murder children in cold blood.

However, in contrast, extremist islamic fundamentalists have shown time and time again that they do in fact possess the necessary evil to do such things.

The police however are grossly incompetent and they won't catch the killers.

[rreddin]

Is it really necessary to try and use this for your political goals?

The Redshirts have nothing to do with this thread, and it's rather petty to try and use this tragedy for political gain.

They are not the ones murdering monks, nor children. The Yellow shirts are not either. Only the southern terrorists are.

If you wish to show respect, you and anyone else who wants to use this to make points in respect to the ongoing protests, think about it, and just stay quiet in respect to this thread. You have dozens of protest related threads to make your spiteful comments in.

Well said. This quote:

"Peace talks between rebels and the government have stalled, with officials blaming a political crisis sparked by months of mass opposition protests in Bangkok seeking to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The insurgents want a level of autonomy from Thailand, which annexed the region over a century ago. They accuse Thai authorities of widespread human rights abuses and disrespecting their religion and culture."

however, suggests that, at least in part, these tragic and horrific killings are an attempt to get the question of the future of the former Sultanate of Pattini back onto the political agenda. As the local army commander is on record as saying, this problem cannot be solved by military action, a political solution is needed. Given the stalled peace talks, that does not look likely in the foreseeable future.

[belg]

arent all thais buddists, except those from the south, with the religion of peace?

[hansnl]

Well put GK.

Nothing to do with Red Shirts. The militants in question here are Islamic Militants well done mighty atom for displaying a colossal amount of ignorance in Thai internal affairs and politics.

A truly horrifying attack. Indiscriminate in their actual targets other than they are Buddhist. Things seem to be escalating in the South with the dreadful attack on the Bangkok Bank employee in Pattani too.

How is it possible those bloody murderers are called "militants"

[diehard60]

Deeply disturbing problems that this government continue to turn a blind eye to.

Red shirts could be the next big sectarian problem facing Thailand. They are equally a lunatic organization that believes that terror and intimidation works.

RIP and my deepest sympathy to all affected..

And just what is suthep doing??????? And the monk friend of his?

[diehard60]

Is it really necessary to try and use this for your political goals?

The Redshirts have nothing to do with this thread, and it's rather petty to try and use this tragedy for political gain.

They are not the ones murdering monks, nor children. The Yellow shirts are not either. Only the southern terrorists are.

If you wish to show respect, you and anyone else who wants to use this to make points in respect to the ongoing protests, think about it, and just stay quiet in respect to this thread. You have dozens of protest related threads to make your spiteful comments in.

Well said. This quote:

"Peace talks between rebels and the government have stalled, with officials blaming a political crisis sparked by months of mass opposition protests in Bangkok seeking to unseat Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

The insurgents want a level of autonomy from Thailand, which annexed the region over a century ago. They accuse Thai authorities of widespread human rights abuses and disrespecting their religion and culture."

however, suggests that, at least in part, these tragic and horrific killings are an attempt to get the question of the future of the former Sultanate of Pattini back onto the political agenda. As the local army commander is on record as saying, this problem cannot be solved by military action, a political solution is needed. Given the stalled peace talks, that does not look likely in the foreseeable future.

Thank you suthep. Again.

[empireboy]

It's sad that Monks and Civilians need to mentioned separately rather than simply as 'People'... just saying..

Edited February 13, 2014 by empireboy

[haveaniceday]

Four southern militants sprayed bullets from their assault rifles at a group of Buddhist

Why be so politically correct, it should be

Four Muslims murders sprayed bullets from their assault rifles at a group of Buddhist

(not sure why bold)

[OMGImInPattaya]

The police are bad people, but I doubt they would go to such extreme lengths as murder children in cold blood.

5555555555555

[bigbamboo]

It's sad that Monks and Civilians need to mentioned separately rather than simply as 'People'... just saying..

True enough. When it comes down to it being a monk is rather like being a politician. Some flirt with it, some make it a lifetime's occupation and both think they are on speaking terms with God.

Edited February 13, 2014 by bigbamboo

[Noi657]

Wonder what would happen if these attacks ventured north into tourist and business areas? What would be the stance then?

[geriatrickid]

It's sad that Monks and Civilians need to mentioned separately rather than simply as 'People'... just saying..

When certain people are killed their positions are identified for background information. It is relevant for many people in the region.

In the south Teachers, health service providers, police and other public security officials and monks are specifically targeted. When they are killed, the media will always mention it.

[Scott]

Off-topic, troll and inflammatory posts removed along with replies.

[hughben]

arent all thais buddists?

They think they are. How many Thais eat meat?

[HeavyDrinker]

Well put GK.

Nothing to do with Red Shirts. The militants in question here are Islamic Militants well done mighty atom for displaying a colossal amount of ignorance in Thai internal affairs and politics.

A truly horrifying attack. Indiscriminate in their actual targets other than they are Buddhist. Things seem to be escalating in the South with the dreadful attack on the Bangkok Bank employee in Pattani too.

How is it possible those bloody murderers are called "militants"

Apologies. I was replying in context of the post.