PM: Narathiwat ranger killings must not be repeated

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said today that he has instructed security forces in Thailand's restive South to be better prepared for unpredictable attacks by insurgent groups and to improve intelligence gathering.

He also said the authorities should continue pursuing peace talks with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the umbrella organisation of insurgents fighting for the creation of an independent Patani state in Thailand's southernmost provinces.

He said all security agencies in the region must do everything possible to restore public confidence in the state and ensure that the killing of five paramilitary rangers and the wounding of six civilians, including a 10-year-old boy, in Ra-ngae district of Narathiwat on Wednesday is not repeated.

The attackers also made off with three AK-47 assault rifles belonging to the slain rangers.

The prime minister acknowledged that the attack in Narathiwat was unpredictable but said such an incident must never be allowed to happen again.

Feeroh Abru, a resident of Tan Yong Mat municipality, where the attack took place on Wednesday, told a Thai PBS reporter today that her house sustained minor damage and a motorcycle she had bought only a few months ago was set on fire.

She said an attack of such magnitude had never happened in her community before and accused the assailants of showing complete disregard for the safety of local residents.

She also expressed sorrow over the deaths of the rangers, describing them as friendly and helpful to the community.

Lt Gen Narathip Poynok, commander of the Fourth Army Region, visited Tan Yong Mat today to offer moral support to security personnel.