BANGKOK, July 9 — The Thai army has ordered tight security during Buddhist Lent and the last portion of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.
Col Banpot Poolpian, spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), said deputy army chief Gen Udomdet Sitabutr chaired a meeting to review security situations discussed the southern situations.
Gen Udomdet expressed his concern, and ordered relevant units to ensure safety during Buddhist Lent and the remaining period of Ramadan, he said.
ISOC Region 4 outpost will combine intelligence to support the military units and strengthen communities, encouraging local authorities and residents also take responsibility for local safety and property, Col Banpot said.
Gen Udomdet demanded following up local government plans in accordance with security plans.
Besides, Col Banpot said Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha, chief of the National Council for Peace and Order, assigned the National Security Council to handle peace negotiations with southern insurgents, first building mutual trust, then signing an agreement and finally working out a roadmap to develop sustainable peace in the far South.
