Optimism grows for Narathiwat peace
Emergency decree to be revoked, says army
The government aims to invoke the more lenient internal security act to govern Sungai Kolok district in the insurgency-plagued Narathiwat as the district’s unrest has eased, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
The district had been governed under the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations since July 2005, but this was lifted on June 20 this year after the violence was said to have been brought under control.
Isoc spokesman Thanathip Sawangsaeng said after a board meeting yesterday that the “Sungai Kolok 61” plan will pave the way for the internal security act to be invoked, noting the success of this strategy in other areas.
The emergency decree gives authorities the power to detain suspects for up to 30 days, whereas the security act caps detentions at seven days.
The security act also gives Isoc direct supervision, unlike the emergency decree which handed power to a national committee headed by the deputy premier.
Under the plan, Isoc Region 4’s Forward Command will be assigned to consolidate efforts by various agencies in the area.
“However, cautious monitoring will remain in place in the district,” he said.
“Local people will be encouraged to take part in efforts to prevent any unrest.”
Maj Gen Thanathip was briefing the media yesterday after the Isoc meeting, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon.
Attendants included the permanent secretary for defence, military top brass as well as the police chief and interior minister. The “Sungai Kolok 61” plan was approved in the meeting.
The spokesman said the number of officers stationed at Isoc Region 4 would remain unchanged this fiscal year.
“Under the plan, efforts must be made to drive down violence or even bring it down to zero with an emphasis on encouraging locals to help tackle the problems,” Maj Gen Thanathip said.
Local economic development will also be pursued to boost people’s quality of life, the spokesman noted.
In a separate development, a suspected militant was shot and killed and two others arrested following a clash with security officers in Thepha district of Songkhla yesterday.
The clash took place at 1am while the officers, led by the 43rd Ranger Task Force, were investigating a tip-off that a suspected militant was hiding in a community in tambon Sakom.
Found dead after the shoot-out was Madamoh Semsan, 40, who was wanted in connection with the stealing six pickup trucks from a used car outlet in Na Thawi district of Songkhla last year.
Two others were detained after the clash and handed over to Pattani police for further questioning.
The high-profile showroom thefts took place in August last year when an insurgent group stole a pickup truck from a couple in Pattani’s Yarang district.
The vehicle was then driven to the used car outlet in Songkhla where its 10 occupants made off with the six trucks and abducted four people. One hostage was killed and one was injured while two others were unharmed.