Security increased as Tak Bai massacre statute of limitations nears

Main photo: Pattani

Security is being beefed up in three southernmost provinces, especially in Narathiwat, as the 20-year statute of limitations for justice in the Tak Bai massacre case is set to expire in nine days.

A series of violent incidents, including arson and bombings - some of which were fatal - have recently occurred in the provinces, possibly out of anger that no one has been punished for the 2004 massacre.

In Pattani’s Yaring district, the explosive ordnance disposal unit, including sniffer dogs and robots, inspected a suspicious object today, on side of Phet Kasem Road, near Bangpu intersection.

Meanwhile, in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat, joint teams of police and soldiers were seen setting up checkpoints, to screen people and vehicles coming in and out of the area.

Debris is still being collected at the Tak Bai district chief’s house and surrounding areas, which were damaged by explosions on September 29.

Meanwhile, a group of activists gathered at the Peace Memorial in Narathiwat’s Muang district and read a statement demanding government sincerity in bringing those responsible for the Tak Bai deaths to justice.

They read the names of the 85 Thai Muslims who died during the crackdown, including 78 who suffocated, after being stacked on top of each other in trucks for a five-hour journey from Tak Bai to an army barracks in Pattani.

They said that they, and the victims’ family members, are losing faith in the Thai justice system.

Seven suspects, for whom arrest warrants have been issued by the Narathiwat court, failed to show up at the second hearing yesterday and have not been apprehended.

If the case reaches its expiration on October 25, with no suspects arrested, it will be dropped, meaning that those responsible for the deaths of 85 people will go unpunished.