The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense has affirmed that authorities have not detected any Islamic State (IS) activity in Thailand.
Deputy PM and Defense Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has addressed rumors of terrorist activity in the southern border provinces of Thailand, stating that all the news has so far been media speculation. He asserted authorities have found no evidence that IS militants are in the nation, clarifying that a criminal suspect recently arrested in the south was wanted for the shooting of a district administration official in Narathiwat.
The deputy premier also spoke of the draft constitution and its provision to have members of the National Council for Peace and Order be barred from politics for five years after the body is disbanded, stating that he does not have any intention to continue in politics regardless of the charter’s stipulation.
On whether the draft would pass referendum, the minister stated only that he believes its drafters did their best and bid all adhere to the government’s roadmap to bring about democratic polls in 2017.
