Security stepped up in Deep South ahead of the end of Ramadan

BANGKOK: -- Security in the Deep South has been stepped up ahead of the end of the fasting month of Ramadan next week while operators of Thai-owned stores and restaurants have been told to look out for suspected activities, objects or individuals.

The escalated security and public alert to brace for violence expected to be perpetrated by militant groups was ordered by Lt-Gen Prakarn Cholayuth, commander of the 4th army region.

Colonel Banpot Poonpien, spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command, said intelligence reports suggested that militant groups planned to step up violent attacks in the leadup to the end of the Ramadan.

Meanwhile, Maj-Gen Nakrop Bonbuathong, secretary of the peace talks delegation, expressed confidence that the escalated violence would not bog down the peace talk with separatist groups.

He, however, said that the violence was perpetrated by groups which have rejected the peace talks and, therefore, were beyond the control of the peace talk delegations of both sides.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/security-stepped-up-in-deep-south-ahead-of-the-end-of-ramadan

-- Thai PBS 2015-07-12

"the violence was perpetrated by groups which have rejected the peace talks and, therefore, were beyond the control of the peace talk delegations of both sides."

Brillant analysis. But I suspect some of the insurgent delegations may also be involved.

Recent behavior of the Junta towards muslim refugees from China may not have inspired Malay-Thai muslims to continue peace talk contacts.

So the South situation is not improving as claimed by Deputy PM and Defence Minister Prawit.