Thai Police brace for possible attacks in the South

YALA, 26 April 2012 (NNT) – Thailand’s southern police has tightened security measures in preparation for the 8th anniversary of a crackdown at the Krue Se Mosque in Pattani province, amidst reports of possible insurgent attacks on the day.

Deputy National Police Chief Police General Suwat Chan-itthikul today visited the police’s operation center for southern border provinces in Yala and held an urgent meeting with local authorities.

Police General Suwat said he was instructed by National Police Chief, Pol. Gen. Prewpan Dhamapong to address the ongoing concerns for future bomb attacks that may coincide with the Krue Se anniversary as well as to boost morale of security officers and southern residents.

He said the Royal Thai Police has assigned officers in risky areas to assure the public of their safety and security.

Meanwhile, local intelligence reports suggest that over 200 members of extremist groups who have received guerrilla training abroad are planning to cooperate with separatist terrorists to stage attacks in the three southernmost provinces in the next couple of days. Provincial authorities have been put on alert for possible threats and are keeping a close watch on the situation.