BANGKOK, June 5 – Promulgation of the emergency decree in Thailand’s Muslim-predominant southernmost provinces, due to expire on June 19, will be extended for 90 days, the National Security Council (NSC) chief said today.
Lt Gen Paradorn Patanatabut said the emergency decree will, however, be replaced by the more lenient Internal Security Act, in five southern districts including Mai Kaen district of Pattani, Sukhirin and Waeng districts of Narathiwat, Kabang and Betong districts of Yala.
The revised measures will be given to the cabinet next week for approval.
Lt Gen Paradorn stood firm that peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasinal (BRN) militant movement will be held as scheduled on June 13 in an unrelenting effort to solve violence in Thailand’s deep South.
He quoted deputy prime minister Chalerm Yubamrung as saying that the government may have to find a new path to resolution of the southern problem if the June 13 peace dialogues showed no progress.
