Better intelligence, politico-military approach to southern insurgency - PM

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stressed the urgent need today for better intelligence gathering in the restive Deep South, citing the wave of violent attacks in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat provinces over the weekend.

Anutin complained that as many as 100 acts of violence occurred almost simultaneously and nobody knew in advance, describing it as a major intelligence failure. He noted that some officials claim to have known in advance, but it appears that the perpetrators were well-prepared.

The prime minister stated that, henceforth, he will exercise his discretion to take immediate action, changing personnel and tactics to improve the situation.

Asked whether there will be a change to the current strategy of prioritising political over military approaches, the prime minister responded that they are of equal importance and must be implemented in parallel.

“We must work in unity. No one is taking the lead over the others,” said the prime minister.

He revealed that he had sought a clarification from the commander of the Fourth Army Region, Lt-Gen. Norathip Phoynok, over an allegation that an army helicopter had opened fire on civilian targets last Saturday night and was assured that the allegation was false and that the military has strictly complied with the rules of engagement following the spate of violent incidents.