PATTANI, 29 July 2015 – Deputy Defense Minister and Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Udomdej Sitabutr has paid a visit to the Deep South to observe security operations and has urged all units to be particularly vigilant during the Buddhist Lent period.
Spokesperson of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Col Banpot Poonpian stated that Gen Udomdej, in his capacity as Deputy Director of ISOC, traveled to Nong Chik district of Pattani province to have a meeting with all security units on duty in the three southernmost provinces and to follow up on their progress.
As the Buddhist Lent period is about to begin, the Army Chief instructed the ISOC Region 4 Forward Command to ensure safety for all local residents and monks who will be taking part in religious activities across the region. Security measures are to be imposed more stringently around important venues and areas prone to insurgent attacks.
Gen Udomdej also suggested authorities to closely oversee upcoming religious functions in order to make sure they do not incite conflicts among local people with different faiths and cultures. Moreover, he stressed that all security volunteers must be selected by trusted agencies through rigorous deliberation.
Meanwhile, the Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Center was urged to quickly proceed with all security cases in order to bring culprits to justice. As for the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, Gen Udomdej asked the officials to help solve various problems of residents and ensure their well-being.
