Defence Ministry mounts strict control of Far-South after attacks kill 5

By Amarin TV and AFP – published by CNA

THE DEFENCE Ministry offered condolences to the families of five people who were killed with 13 others wounded in two attacks in the troubled Far-South and ordered strict control of the area to prevent repeat shootings and bombings.

Maj. Gen.Thanathip Sawangsaeng, spokesman for the Ministry of Defence, said Deputy Prime Minister/Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the officials and civilians who died in the attacks at Narathiwat and Pattani last night.

The incident which involved multiple shootings and bombings in the two Far-South provinces occurred during the month of Ramadan, which began on March 2 according to the announcement of the Chularatchamontri Office. and is considered an important time for Muslims around the world to practice their religion, fast and do good deeds.

The ministry confirmed that strict measures will be taken to protect citizens in the southern border provinces with officials and citizens urged to cooperate in creating peace and stability in the area,

The security agencies will do their utmost to ensure the safety of citizens and bring the situation back to normal as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Paethongtarn Shinawatra told reporters today that the number of security forces in the south working night shifts “would definitely need to increase” in the wake of the attacks.

A group of more than 10 assailants opened fire outside the district office of Sungai Kolok, a town on the Malaysia-Thailand border, at around 7 p.m. on Saturday, provincial police said.

They also threw explosives and detonated bombs in an attack that killed two defence volunteers guarding the office and wounded 12 others, including four civilians, Narathiwat province police said.

In a separate attack in the neighbouring province of Pattani on Saturday night, a roadside bomb killed three people, including two local village assistants and a ranger guarding the area.

One person was also wounded in the incident, which occurred at around 11 p.m. in Saiburi district, local police said.

CAPTION:

Military and police officers inspect the site of the two attacks in Narathiwat and Pattani last night. Photos: Naewna