BANGKOK, Aug 16 – Thai Defence Minister Gen Yuthasak Sasiprapa said on Thursday that security officials have been instructed to be on high alert and monitor the situation in southern border provinces during a ten-day period after the the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan as intelligence reports indicate possible violent attacks.
The deputy premier who supervises national security said he has instructed security concerned agencies to keep close watch for ten days after Ramadan ends, especially between Aug 16-19 as the National Intelligence Agency learned that there are preparations for possible attacks.
Gen Yuthasak said the insurgents have been convinced that if they launch the attacks during this period, they will be more blessed by Allah.
The deputy prime minister added security personnel must closely monitor security in the city areas because if the attack is successful, it will create the perception of “violent incident”.
Gen Yuthasak also revealed that the security personnel at operational level have discussed with some groups of insurgents to restore peace in Thailand’s southern border region.
Officials however did not talk with the leaders of the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK), but with two groups which separated from the RKK. The new factions led by a few key leaders comprise some 9,000 militia, mainly teenagers.
