Retaliatory attacks feared: Security tightened in Thailand's South

[webfact]

RETALIATORY ATTACKS FEARED
Security tightened in South
PANYA THIOSANGWAN,
PARES LOHASAN,
SANTHITI KHOJITMET
THE NATION

Fear of retalitation over court's death verdicts agaisnt insurgents

BANGKOK: -- SECURITY officers were tightening security across the deep South amid fears of retaliatory attacks by insurgents following the Pattani Provincial Court's verdict on Wednesday sentencing five men to deaths for their roles in the gun attack two years ago that killed four soldiers.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the defence minister, yesterday said justice had run its course based on evidence so he wouldn't comment on that. He said he had instructed security officers to be prepared and take preventive measures in case insurgents launched attacks in retaliation.

Pattani Provincial Court on Wednesday sentenced five men - Isma-ae Da-ong, Masahafi Meetor, Korde Jehtae, Nimuhammad Niseng, and Isbulloh Beusa - to death for their roles in the July 28, 2012 gun ambush in Tambon Thanon of Pattani's Ma Yor district.

During the ambush, 18 insurgents in three pickup trucks opened fire at close-range on the six-member team from the Pattani 25th Special Task Force who were travelling in a convoy of three motorcycles. Four soldiers were killed and two seriously wounded.

The slain soldiers were Sergeant Leuchai Julthong, 26, Private Benjarong Sikaew, Private Ekkalak Sidokmai, Private Phakin Hongmak, all of whom were 22. Sergeant Preeda Noppakhun and Private Akhom Chuklom were injured in the attacks. The insurgents also reportedly fled with the soldiers' M16 rifles, bullet-proof vests and communication radios. The whole incident was caught on security cameras hence the clip was spread on Internet and caused fear among the public.

In related news, Their Majesties the King and Queen deputed Privy Councillor General Surayud Chulanont yesterday to present royally-granted items - including royal portraits, playgrounds, textbooks, sport equipment, medical supplies, computers, water filters as well as some money - to seven schools in Narathiwat's Reu So district.

The ceremony, also attended by Fourth Army chief Lt-General Prakan Cholayuth and deputy governor Supanat Siranthawineti, was held at Ban Jeu Rae School, which has 16 teachers and 176 students from kindergarten to Prathom 6 level.

Surayud also met with local residents and the community's women's group afterwards.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Security-tightened-in-South-30248737.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-28

[webfact]

Death sentences for Thai Muslim separatists condemned
Bangkok, Thailand | AFP |

BANGKOK: -- Human rights groups Friday condemned the Thai authorities for sentencing five alleged Muslim separatists to death, saying the punishment would do little to promote peace in the violence-racked south.

The men were convicted on Wednesday by the Pattani provincial court for shooting dead four soldiers in July 2013, Thai Rath, the country's largest circulation newspaper, reported.

They were named as Ismail Daong, Masahadi Methor, Gordae Jatae, Nimuhammud Niseng, and Hisbulloh Buesa.

Violence in Thailand's Muslim-majority south has left thousands dead -- the majority civilians -- since 2004 across the southernmost provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala, which were annexed more than a century ago by Thailand.

Human rights activists hit out at the sentences in a region where the Thai military is often accused of acting with impunity.

"The death penalty is a human rights violation in itself and will do nothing to stem the tide of violence in Thailand's south," Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's Southeast Asia research director, told AFP.

"It might be tempting for the Thai authorities to think of the death penalty as a quick fix to combating insecurity, but there is no evidence whatsoever that the threat of execution acts as a particular deterrent to crime."

Andrea Giorgetta, from the International Federation of Human Rights (FIDH), added: "Thailand has repeatedly expressed its commitment to abolish the death penalty. Unfortunately, those promises are not backed by actions as lawmakers increase, rather than reduce, the number of capital crimes and courts continue to impose death sentences."

Several rounds of peace talks with some rebel groups in the south came unstuck during months of street protests in Bangkok, which were eventually ended by a military coup in May.

The ruling junta has since loudly trailed its efforts to reboot the talks, which will be facilitated by neighbouring Malaysia, where many of the rebel leaders are believed to be holed up.

But in response to a recent slew of shootings and bomb attacks on civilian "soft" targets, Thailand has vowed to step up efforts to protect locals.

Earlier this month officials distributed hundreds of assault rifles to village volunteers in a move which critics said was at odds with a pledge to find peace to a decade-long conflict within a year.

According to the FIDH, there were 623 prisoners (572 men and 51 women) under death sentence in Thailand as of August 31 this year -- most for drug related offences.

The last time a death sentence was carried out was in 2009 when two men convicted of drug trafficking were killed by lethal injection.

An official at Pattani provincial court declined to comment on the recent death sentences when contacted by AFP.


-- (c) Copyright AFP 2014-11-28

[AGareth2]

it will but make martyrs

[Costas2008]

I am against punishment by death.

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, is against my believes.

I condemn the killings of the soldiers as I would condemn any killings of other human beings.

But by killing the perpetrators we come down to the same level as them.

We are not Gods to take lives.

Prison for life, and I mean life, will be an appropriate punishment for them.

[billd766]

quote "Human rights activists hit out at the sentences in a region where the Thai military is often accused of acting with impunity.

"The death penalty is a human rights violation in itself and will do nothing to stem the tide of violence in Thailand's south," Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International's Southeast Asia research director, told AFP.

A question for Rupert Abbott. If the death penalty is a violation of these prisoners human rights what about the equally important but totally ignored by Amnesty International right of the MURDERED soldiers or don't they matter?

If the people who were found guilty and sentenced to death actually had not been there the soldiers would not have been MURDERED and these guys would not be seeking absolution for their MURDEROUS activities.

Something I have noticed over a long period of time is that all the human rights activists swarm over the criminals with all sorts of excuses but totally ignore the victims and their families.

[tomross46]

Punish them in accordance with the Sharia law. They should be beheaded on Friday during the noon call for prayer.

[pedro01]

off with their heads!

[ezzra]

Punish them in accordance with the Sharia law. They should be beheaded on Friday during the noon call for prayer.

I second that, after all, that's what they wanted to install in the areas under they control no?

beside, if you live by sword, expect to die by the sword..

I be willing to pay for the blade's sharpener service....

Edited November 28, 2014 by ezzra

[AyG]

Punish them in accordance with the Sharia law. They should be beheaded on Friday during the noon call for prayer.

In accordance with Sharia law they have done nothing wrong. From the Koran

"Fight in the way of Allah with those who fight with you ... kill them wherever you find them" (Sura 2:190-191)

By Sharia law they should be set free.

Incidentally, the call to prayer isn't exactly at noon. The time depends upon the time of year and where you are on the globe.

[KissMyAxe]

Do to them as they do to others!

[anon467367354]

an "eye for and eye" means only an "eye for an eye".

They deliberately killed someone, they get the same.

You don't bomb an entire village because of the actions of a few.

do it according to Sharia law, they won't have a problem with that.

[gopis108]

I cannot believe the foolishness of some so-called human beings like costas2008(he is obviously a christian so we may forgive his ignorance from lack of proper spiritual education-Jesus is the only way is not an intelligent philosophy).These men are dedicated murderers-they have to be removed from society.Unfortunately so many non-sense religions clutter up the world which we do not need-we need God fine-but not religions.Why is it so difficult for these idiots to realize that no-one ever dies-only the body dies-the soul cannot die-THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES so we are just forcing these murderers into another life and they recieve their just karma.Try reading Bhagavad Gita as it is for the genuine explanation sans religions of how life operates so that you can understand properly-PLEASE.

[uptheos]

For once Thailand leads the world.

[Chris Lawrence]

I am against punishment by death.

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, is against my believes.

I condemn the killings of the soldiers as I would condemn any killings of other human beings.

But by killing the perpetrators we come down to the same level as them.

We are not Gods to take lives.

Prison for life, and I mean life, will be an appropriate punishment for them.

I agree with you Costas. Did a paper quite a few years ago on capital punishment. The outcome was that, not a lot was achieved. The death sentence is used as a deterrent. The US had an embargo on capital punishment for about 10 years. In that time murder rates did not vary on a per capita basis. The cost of putting someone to death can far outweigh the cost of a lifetime sentence. Sometimes Capital Punishment is political; a good hanging is good for the polls. People are also found not guilty or have been stitched up; once someone is dead, they can't be brought back. Agree we are not gods.

Costas, don't agree with all you say, but you make some good statements.

Not sure if the Thais have it right down south. Everything appears a bit hush, hush. Not much getting in the press. The Thais might end up with more holes in their feet over this one?

[HUAHIN62]

I cannot believe the foolishness of some so-called human beings like costas2008(he is obviously a christian so we may forgive his ignorance from lack of proper spiritual education-Jesus is the only way is not an intelligent philosophy).These men are dedicated murderers-they have to be removed from society.Unfortunately so many non-sense religions clutter up the world which we do not need-we need God fine-but not religions.Why is it so difficult for these idiots to realize that no-one ever dies-only the body dies-the soul cannot die-THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES so we are just forcing these murderers into another life and they recieve their just karma.Try reading Bhagavad Gita as it is for the genuine explanation sans religions of how life operates so that you can understand properly-PLEASE.

Firstly why do you think he is a Christian and secondly your assumptions/generalisations makes you arrogant not enlightened. Nobody that walks this earth have full knowledge nor full understanding and from this perspective on life neither you nor me can judge others on their beliefs and actions. So get of your high horse and live a life of humility.

[Halion]

Human Rights are indeed an important and integral part of any developed society, however, to me at least, when individuals resort to acts of terrorism then the death penalty is appropriate retribution.

Terrorist violence in the south or for that mater anywhere is rarely if ever resolved by dialogue..Negotiating with terrorist is like fornicating for virginity.

[Chris Lawrence]

I cannot believe the foolishness of some so-called human beings like costas2008(he is obviously a christian so we may forgive his ignorance from lack of proper spiritual education-Jesus is the only way is not an intelligent philosophy).These men are dedicated murderers-they have to be removed from society.Unfortunately so many non-sense religions clutter up the world which we do not need-we need God fine-but not religions.Why is it so difficult for these idiots to realize that no-one ever dies-only the body dies-the soul cannot die-THE SPIRIT NEVER DIES so we are just forcing these murderers into another life and they recieve their just karma.Try reading Bhagavad Gita as it is for the genuine explanation sans religions of how life operates so that you can understand properly-PLEASE.

Gopis, some of the beheadings coming out of the ISIS areas is gut-wrenching. This people are at war. The disturbances down south are not well reported and are different to what ISIS is doing. Starting to read some of the available reports and history of what is happening in the south of Thailand; The Thai military may want you to believe that the insurgents are something they are not. So not sure that the approach being adopted by the Thais is the correct one. But I can understand your view.

Don't know if you are from that part of the world or you are more widely read on the problems down south, but sometimes it is better to ask someone why they think the way they do. Just polite.

[mikeoxwelling]

I am against punishment by death.

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, is against my believes.

I condemn the killings of the soldiers as I would condemn any killings of other human beings.

But by killing the perpetrators we come down to the same level as them.

We are not Gods to take lives.

Prison for life, and I mean life, will be an appropriate punishment for them.

I agree with you Costas. Did a paper quite a few years ago on capital punishment. The outcome was that, not a lot was achieved. The death sentence is used as a deterrent. The US had an embargo on capital punishment for about 10 years. In that time murder rates did not vary on a per capita basis. The cost of putting someone to death can far outweigh the cost of a lifetime sentence. Sometimes Capital Punishment is political; a good hanging is good for the polls. People are also found not guilty or have been stitched up; once someone is dead, they can't be brought back. Agree we are not gods.

Costas, don't agree with all you say, but you make some good statements.

Not sure if the Thais have it right down south. Everything appears a bit hush, hush. Not much getting in the press. The Thais might end up with more holes in their feet over this one?

What it does accomplish, is to completely remove them from society, and prevent any feel good heart sob from letting them back in!

The deterrent itself doesn't really matter, I mean look at all the crazy stuff that happens in the world, and you'd be foolish to think that in a great percentage of those instances there wasn't already an adequate deterrent. The fact is that some people just lose their sh*t sometimes and do crazy stuff, and the problem is that they can do it again, no matter how rehabilitated or remorseful one may seem.

And let's be real here, extremists and religious nuts have to rank pretty high in the crazy department, so what do you expect they can give back to society? let em hang I say.

[BestBitterPhuket]

I hope they are executed quickly. Thailand has been too soft with these murderers for a long time. They murdered four people and should die for their actions.

[rethaier]

They should have shot the bustards when they caught them. Would have saved money and avoided the politics.

[klauskunkel]

I am against punishment by death.

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, is against my believes.

I condemn the killings of the soldiers as I would condemn any killings of other human beings.

But by killing the perpetrators we come down to the same level as them.

We are not Gods to take lives.

Prison for life, and I mean life, will be an appropriate punishment for them.

I agree with you Costas. Did a paper quite a few years ago on capital punishment. The outcome was that, not a lot was achieved. The death sentence is used as a deterrent. The US had an embargo on capital punishment for about 10 years. In that time murder rates did not vary on a per capita basis. The cost of putting someone to death can far outweigh the cost of a lifetime sentence. Sometimes Capital Punishment is political; a good hanging is good for the polls. People are also found not guilty or have been stitched up; once someone is dead, they can't be brought back. Agree we are not gods.

Costas, don't agree with all you say, but you make some good statements.

Not sure if the Thais have it right down south. Everything appears a bit hush, hush. Not much getting in the press. The Thais might end up with more holes in their feet over this one?

If someone deliberately denies another human the right to live in order to profit, or for sport, or self-gratification, or to promote a political/religious ideology, then that someone has given up voluntarily their own humanity and does not rank any higher than a virus or parasite.

I do not lose sleep over the extermination of a virus or parasite.

Edited November 28, 2014 by klauskunkel

[johnarth]

they have been killing thinking nothing will happen to them, other wise family and friends will kill more, they just love nuts like Abbott, (yes let me go I will be a good boy) 1 country found that carstration first before shooting, has worked wonders, no more 72 virgins and no more attacks.

[Fat Haggis]

Punish them in accordance with the Sharia law. They should be beheaded on Friday during the noon call for prayer.

Apart from the fact it has to be handed down by a Muslim court to a Muslim prisoner otherwise it's not sharia law ?

[Fat Haggis]

an "eye for and eye" means only an "eye for an eye".

They deliberately killed someone, they get the same.

You don't bomb an entire village because of the actions of a few.

do it according to Sharia law, they won't have a problem with that.

But you do impose and maintain martial law over the actions of a few? ?

[Chris Lawrence]

"The fact that the (junta) feels the need to block Human Rights Watch’s Thailand webpage means that we must be doing something right," said Brad Adams, HRW’s Asia director."

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/webmobile/breakingnews/Thailand-blocks-Human-Rights-Watch-webpage-30248662.html

Edited November 28, 2014 by Chris Lawrence

[Suffinator]

I am against punishment by death.

An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth, is against my believes.

I condemn the killings of the soldiers as I would condemn any killings of other human beings.

But by killing the perpetrators we come down to the same level as them.

We are not Gods to take lives.

Prison for life, and I mean life, will be an appropriate punishment for them.

On the other side of the coin ... What's worse, death or being subjected to a Thai prison for life? To slowly rot away with no hope and in the process saddle the taxpayer with the cost of keeping them - although the costs are nowhere near what they are compared to the west.

Both the death penalty and life imprisonment could be viewed as inhumane.

[kevin2852]

I am totally and wholeheartedly opposed to death sentences, there are a few reasons for this 1. By shooting an individual, quickly and cleanly, we make him into a Martyr and this is likely to produce a heroic response in his group and make him into a person of high regard 2. Once you have committed a capital felony, you have nothing to lose, so why not do it again and again without risk of penalty increase 3. A prison sentence affects not only the inmate, but his whole family and circle of associates and so it burdens the entire group which supported the crime. It is therefore not only more just but it allows the burden to fall where it can achieve the best result and lastly 4. Study of these people over a long period ( 20 years or more ) is surely the best way to equip our practioners to identify and deal with the problems that these people have. If they are psychotic, then force them to undergo 6 hours per week of face to face study with and by students for their entire sentence. Maybe some good can come out of their miserable existence.

[AyG]

I am totally and wholeheartedly opposed to death sentences, there are a few reasons for this

1. By shooting an individual, quickly and cleanly, we make him into a Martyr and this is likely to produce a heroic response in his group and make him into a person of high regard

2. Once you have committed a capital felony, you have nothing to lose, so why not do it again and again without risk of penalty increase

3. A prison sentence affects not only the inmate, but his whole family and circle of associates and so it burdens the entire group which supported the crime. It is therefore not only more just but it allows the burden to fall where it can achieve the best result and lastly

4. Study of these people over a long period ( 20 years or more ) is surely the best way to equip our practioners to identify and deal with the problems that these people have. If they are psychotic, then force them to undergo 6 hours per week of face to face study with and by students for their entire sentence. Maybe some good can come out of their miserable existence.

Playing devil's advocate:

1. But if you shoot every single member of his group there'll be nobody left to hold him in high regard.

2. The penalty can be increased. I can think of increasingly gruesome death penalties, way beyond mere shooting. (And perhaps the penalty could be increased to include all relatives and associates.)

3. So, if the group which supported the crime is burdened, what's the problem? (Not really sure what your point is here.)

4. The problem isn't psychosis, it's Islam. It doesn't require a 20 year study. Just how one can find the political will to eliminate Islam is a different issue.

[Fat Haggis]

I am totally and wholeheartedly opposed to death sentences, there are a few reasons for this

1. By shooting an individual, quickly and cleanly, we make him into a Martyr and this is likely to produce a heroic response in his group and make him into a person of high regard

2. Once you have committed a capital felony, you have nothing to lose, so why not do it again and again without risk of penalty increase

3. A prison sentence affects not only the inmate, but his whole family and circle of associates and so it burdens the entire group which supported the crime. It is therefore not only more just but it allows the burden to fall where it can achieve the best result and lastly

4. Study of these people over a long period ( 20 years or more ) is surely the best way to equip our practioners to identify and deal with the problems that these people have. If they are psychotic, then force them to undergo 6 hours per week of face to face study with and by students for their entire sentence. Maybe some good can come out of their miserable existence.

Playing devil's advocate:

1. But if you shoot every single member of his group there'll be nobody left to hold him in high regard.

2. The penalty can be increased. I can think of increasingly gruesome death penalties, way beyond mere shooting. (And perhaps the penalty could be increased to include all relatives and associates.)

3. So, if the group which supported the crime is burdened, what's the problem? (Not really sure what your point is here.)

4. The problem isn't psychosis, it's Islam. It doesn't require a 20 year study. Just how one can find the political will to eliminate Islam is a different issue.

You cannot kill an ideology

[Tongdee]

I hope they are executed quickly. Thailand has been too soft with these murderers for a long time. They murdered four people and should die for their actions.

3 good options

1) very realistic movie scenes

2 Medical experiments use your imagination

3) Give them life sentences. barren solitary cells. Don't burden the taxpayers with their food bills. or allow visitors. Then no-one has to feel bad about killing them. Review the cctv videos every 6 months

beheading is to kind.....