FOLLOWING 51 bombing and arson attacks in the three Far South provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala on Saturday night (Aug. 22), with a couple more arson and bomb attacks occurring in Pattani last night, an academic at Rangsit University today analysed that the cause of the unrest is to pressure the authorities to replace Fourth Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Norathip Poinok while warning that should this happen the new commander would be even more competent, PPTVHD said.
Assoc. Prof. Wanwichit Boonproong, a lecturer at Rangsit University’s Faculty of Political Science and a former adviser to the Defence Minister, commented that these movements are not only aimed at creating the impression of the security agencies being ineffective and intelligence gathering problematic thus falsely showing that government has failed to create a safe zone, with another factor being to discredit Lt. Gen. Norathip and force his transfer out of the area.
These attacks have been mounted at a time officers are being reshuffled and transferred both at the Defence Ministry and the army. Rumours are rife about Lt. Gen. Norathip including speculation about whether he will remain in this key position or be moved to a higher one.
The insurgents are trying to highlight that the current Fourth Army Region commander is unable to control the situation as assigned by political and security factions. The goal is to get him shunted out, as evidenced by the months-long campaign to discredit him.
The targeting of Lt. Gen. Norathip stems from his commitment to suppressing and reforming territorial movements and grey-area activities, as well as government officials benefiting from these groups. Importantly, the regional commander has successfully expanded his influence and garnered significant support from opposing factions.
Assoc. Prof. Wanwichit added that inside information he obtained indicated that if the 4th Army Region Commander were changed, his successor would be someone from the local area.
“He’s a capable and experienced person, which will make things harder for the insurgent groups,” he emphasised, adding, “This isn’t a threat.”
Asked if the unrest over the weekend was a sufficient reason to transfer Lt. Gen. Norathip during the looming reshuffle, Asst. Prof. Wanwichit said he could not presume to comment but reiterated that if Lt. Gen. Norathip were replaced as commander of the 4th Army Region, it would be someone more capable and more respected within the army.
CAPTION:
Top and Front Page: Three municipal vehicles, a fire truck, a garbage truck, and a pickup truck, were damaged in an arson attack on a garage and a bomb attack on a guard post at Pho Ming subdistrict municipality in Panare district, Pattani province, last night. Photos – PPTVHD36
First insert – Fourth Army Region Commander Lt. Gen. Norathip Poinok. Photo – NBT World
Second insert – Assoc. Prof. Wanwichit Boonproong. Photo – PPTVHD36
Earlier report:
Suspect nabbed in Narathiwat bombing spree; railway track being inspected
Also read:
Newin’s right-hand man found among suspected exam fraud conspirators
Govt exam fraud dated back to time of Anutin’s father at Interior Ministry
Amnesty bill published in Royal Gazette
CAAT focusing on regional airports amid greater demand
House panel presses agencies to provide information on ‘fake fathers and mothers’ scandal
No major parties prepared for election in near future
People’s disapproves of new bid to file politically-motivated lese majeste lawsuit
Election commissioners tipped to take risk of jail over senatorial rigging conspiracy
Gulf visitor arrivals save Thai tourism from low season disaster
Mae Sot hit by second round of flash floods in 48 hours
