Southern unrest on Thai PM’s Malaysia visit agenda

BANGKOK, June 4 (TNA) – Thailand’s Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said on Thursday he plans to discuss the insurgency in the country’s far South with Malaysia during his official visit to the neighbouring country next Monday.

The premier also said he would chair a high level security meeting on Friday to thrash out issues concerning the southern unrest following a renewal of violent attacks in the troubled region.

Detailed information about the insurgency’s funding sources will be addressed the meeting, the Thai premier said, without further elaboration.

The meeting will also discuss enforcement in the three insurgency-wracked southern border provinces, which he stated should be more in tune with a change in policy which underscores development and social work, he said.

Mr.Abhisit said he received a report flagging possible attacks after the new school semester started. But he said in such a large geographic area, although officials remain on full alert to prevent untoward incidents, it is not possible to guarantee 100 per cent safety.

However, he noted that according to recent statistics the frequency of insurgent attacks had fallen.

 “I’ll instruct security officials to ensure heightened security and I’ll encourage them to share their opinions more to avoid misunderstanding when working as a team. Forensic science will play a more active role in
tracking down links to the network of insurgents and its funding source,” he added.

However, he declined to elaborate on the sources of funding which supports insurgent activities.

Earlier on Thursday, two female teachers were seriously wounded in a roadside bomb attack in Narathiwat’s Sungai Padi district.

In Yala’s Raman district, another bomb was detonated in front of Ba Ngoy school, injuring three policemen on guard to protect teachers. (TNA)