Narathiwat province authorities say drug traffickers and the southern insurgency are closely connected, and sought to seize 1,400 rai of land they say is also involved in extortion rackets.

Provincial police chief Chote Chawalwiwat said several properties are thought to be linked to drugs rings and insurgency groups.

He said drug traffickers were in league with militants in whipping up a climate of fear to grab land.

Read more: Bangkok Post