PM holds urgent meeting over wave of southern attacks
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul summoned an urgent meeting with top security officials at Government House this morning to assess a wave of bomb and arson attacks in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat last night.
Those attending the meeting included Defence Minister Lt-Gen Adul Boonthamcharoen, Army Chief Gen Pana Klaewplodthuk, Army Chief-of-Staff Gen Chaiyapruek Duangprapat, Interior Permanent Secretary Unsit Sampuntharat, Provincial Administration Department Director-General Narucha Kosacivilize and the secretary-general of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).
The meeting lasted about an hour, after which the prime minister boarded a flight to the northern province of Nan to visit flood-affected areas and follow up on relief and rehabilitation operations as floodwaters recede.
Details of the meeting were not available at the time of this report.
Three civilians were injured in bomb explosions in Muang and Janae districts of Narathiwat last night. All were taken to hospital and are reported to be safe. No deaths have been reported so far.
Forty violent incidents were reported across 13 districts in Narathiwat alone, while about 20 incidents were reported in Yala province.
Colonel Ekwarit Chobchupol, deputy spokesman for the ISOC Forward Command, today dismissed as false a report claiming that an army helicopter opened fire on civilians in Janae district of Narathiwat last night.
He confirmed, however, that an army helicopter was airborne last night to monitor the situation.
The colonel said the violent incidents, which were perpetrated by southern insurgents, were intended to damage infrastructure and state and private-sector property, including communications towers and roadside shelters.
He said residents could continue their normal activities but advised them to stay away from attack sites while forensic officers collect evidence.
Residents were also advised not to approach suspicious objects and to immediately alert authorities.