BANGKOK, 2 August 2012 – Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa has disclosed that the government is considering imposing curfew in certain parts of the southern border provinces.
According to General Yutthasak, it remains unnecessary to impose a general curfew in the South, but security agencies are mulling the prospect of issuing a partial curfew in the worst-affected parts.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who supervises national security, added that a national and region-specific strategic plan is being drafted to present to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra at a security meeting, scheduled on August 8.
Prime Minister Yingluck on Tuesday set up a new task force to tackle the Southern unrest in a more integrated and swift manner.
General Yutthasak also addressed the concerns over speculated violent attacks during the upcoming religious Buddhist holidays by saying that police forces have been reinforced in the area to ensure safety and order for participating Buddhists. Religious activities will also be cut short to prevent further insurgent attacks.
On the heels of rumours that more car bombs are to be expected in Hat Yai district of Songkla province, General Yutthasak said over 1,000 soldiers and police officers are patrolling the area as a precautionary measure.
