PUBLISHED : 29 Aug 2023 at 05:00
The emergency decree imposed in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat will be extended for another three months, from Sept 20 to Dec 19, 2023.
The decision was made yesterday by the administration of the emergency situation committee during a video conference chaired by caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon from the office of the Five Provinces Bordering Forest Preservation Foundation.
Lt Gen Pacharasak Patirupanon, an assistant spokesman for Gen Prawit, said the emergency decree is currently in force in the three provinces, except for Si Sakhon, Sungai Kolok, Waeng and Sukhirin districts of Narathiwat; Yaring, Mayom Mai Kaen districts of Pattani; and Betong and Kabang districts of Yala.
The committee resolved to extend the emergency decree for another three months, from Sept 20 to Dec 19. The extension, the 73rd, is for the continuation of government operations to deal with the insurgency and maintain peace and security for local people and for property, he said. The resolution will be forwarded to the National Security Council and the cabinet for approval.
The meeting also approved the Internal Security Command Region 4’s proposal to lift the emergency decree in Pattani’s Kapho district.
Meanwhile, a gunman yesterday opened fire on a house in Tak Bai district of Narathiwat, injuring three people. Police suspect the shooting was a result of a personal conflict.
Tak Bai Police were alerted to the shooting at 4.30am at the house in tambon Ko Sathon. Pol Col Supachad Na Phatthalung, superintendent of the Tak Bai police, attended the scene with other officers and army personnel.
They found Mesong Masa, 51, the house owner, her brother Ayu Masa, 28, and her 16-year-old nephew at the scene. All had been wounded by broken glass from windows shot out with an M16 rifle.
Pol Col Supachad said police found 19 M16 rifle cartridges by a side wall of the house. Police believe Mr Ayu might have had conflicts with other villagers, leading to the shooting, which was meant as a warning.