Southern emergency decree extended for another three months

The committee for administration of the emergency situation in Thailand’s restive southern provinces has agreed to extend the enforcement of the Emergency Decree for another three months, from July 20 to October 19.

National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General Chatchai Bangchuad announced yesterday that the decision was reached during the committee’s third meeting of the year, chaired by Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

This will be the 85th renewal of the decree since its introduction in 2005.

The extension will apply to 18 districts across Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala.

The NSC plans to submit the proposal to the Cabinet for formal approval during its meeting on July 7.

The areas remaining under the decree include Mueang, Nong Chik, Khok Pho, Yarang and Sai Buri districts in Pattani and Mueang, Bannang Sata and Than To districts in Yala.

In Narathiwat, the decree will continue to cover Mueang, Bacho, Rueso, Rangae, Sri Sakhon, Chanae, Cho Airong, Sungai Padi, Tak Bai and Sungai Kolok.

In a related development, the troubled far south will be a key agenda item during Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul’s official visit to Malaysia on July 9 and 10. Sihasak will join the delegation for high-level talks aimed at progressing conflict resolution efforts in the border region.