Defence minister apologises for his reluctance to use the word “manhunt”

Defence Minister Lt Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen has offered an apology that his remark, pertaining to the deadly attack by insurgents in Ra-ngae district in Narathiwat on July 22 which left five paramilitary rangers dead, had caused public misunderstanding and criticism of him for being uncaring.

He said that, in his interview with the media, he said he did not want to use the word “manhunt” in reference to the military’s response against the perpetrators, adding that he was deeply saddened by the deaths of the five rangers.

He insisted that he has always been a soldier, although his role is now as defence minister. He reiterated that the five rangers will not have died in vain and has instructed the Fourth Army Region commander to bring all the perpetrators to justice.

As a defence minister, Lt Gen Adul said that he has to be cautious about his remarks, noting that any use of inappropriate wording may undermine the situation in the Deep South, like adding fuel to a fire.

He also insisted that there is no conflict between him and the Army Chief-of-Staff General Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, who reportedly said that it is time for the security forces to hunt down the southern insurgents wherever they are “even in another country”, apparently referring to Malaysia.