Army Chief to separate troops to tackle southern border unrest

NARATHIWAT, 9 June 2009 (NNT) – Army Chief Anupong Paojinda said that army troops would be divided into two groups to tackle the southern border unrest and confirmed that Malaysia would cooperate with Thailand in dealing with the problems.

General Anupong gave an interview during a provincial visit in the southern province of Narathiwat prior to convening with the related agencies about the severe incidents in three southernmost provinces, saying that the existing operations were planned in the right direction to tackle with the issues. He said authorities were receiving more support and cooperation from the local people.

In addition, General Anupong stated that the troops would be divided into two groups, consisting of a 24 hour security group and operational group tasked with mass psychology.

Regarding the mosque shooting incident in Narathiwat, the Army Chief viewed that it was a severe incident but added that the authorities also tried their best to resolve conflicts and prevent violence.

Earlier, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, accompanied by the army chief and his entourage paid an official visit to Malaysia. General Anupong stated that Malaysia had responded positively to Thailand’s call for cooperation to resolve the national southern unrest. However, he cited that the name list of the criminals was unclear.