Thailand’s interior ministry orders increased security in southern provinces

Interior Permanent Secretary Arsit Sampantharat has ordered the governors of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun and Songkhla to increase security in their respective provinces to its maximum peacetime level following a wave of bomb and arson attacks in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat since Saturday night.

Three civilians were injured in explosions, a number of sub-district offices and cars were torched, several CCTV cameras and mobile phone signal towers were damaged and a rail track was the target of an IED, disrupting train services in Narathiwat.

Arsit has issued guidelines for the governors, which include the deployment of more personnel to guard government offices, sub-district hospitals, schools and child care centres, especially at night, increased road patrols and checks of cars and motorcycles. Officials are advised to take action immediately if they find anything suspicious.

Local administration officials have also been told to coordinate closely with the police and military in maintaining peace and order.

The interior permanent secretary has also instructed officials in the five provinces to replace or repair all damaged surveillance cameras and communication systems and to deploy officials to guard these facilities to prevent vandalism.

Arsit said the ministry has made public safety its top priority, as he urged people to respond in kind by reporting any suspicious individuals, objects or activities.