A series of threats posted in several areas of the deep South have sent officials scrambling to beef up security operations while also campaigning to win hearts and minds to prevent further violence.
Security forces on Wednesday found banners with messages threatening authorities, teachers and Buddhists in Yi-ngo, Muang and Bacho districts of Narathiwat.
Banners like this have appeared along roads in the past two weeks, apparently seeking to terrorise Buddhists and ethnic Thais in the deep South. (Photo by Waedao Harai)
The banners were quickly removed, and army chief Udomdej Sitabutr ordered extra measures to quell unrest, including by explaining plans for increased development and investment in the deep South.
"Local authorities had to urgently explain and try to make local people understand the situation correctly," Gen Udomdej said. "Some people are still on the wrong path. Officials are stepping up efforts to solve the problems and approach local people."
Meanwhile, Pattani governor Weerapong Kaewsuwan held a meeting with security agencies and schools to discuss extra security measures to protect teachers in the province following the threats.
They vowed to post security forces around the clock at schools where most of the teachers are female or Buddhist, which are mainly in remote areas far from military bases and police stations, Mr Weerapong said after the meeting. For schools in towns, officers will be provided primarily during working hours.
Speaking at an inspection of the 1st Army Thursday, Gen Udomdej said the country's situation was stable but that it was necessary to maintain peace and order.
He said the second phase of Thailand's reform roadmap requires continued political calm. His remarks seemed to echo separate statements from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha that martial law is still necessary.
He also said there are still border problems with neighbouring countries, which can be solved by promoting good international relations.
Meanwhile, three suspected insurgents were nabbed Thursday following a raid on a ponoh school in Pattani.
A combined force of soldiers and Pattani police captured them in tambon Nam Dam of Thung Yang Daeng district. The authorities identified the three as Abdulbaha Do, 27, Yaman Daong, 26, and Amenan Doloh, 24. All of them are Pattani natives.
The operation came after authorities tracked the suspects to a school in Thung Yang Daeng district where they were hiding and requested cooperation from the head of the school. Then they cordoned off the facility and arrested the suspects, authorities said.
All suspects were detained at Ranger Company 41 in Yala for interrogation and DNA tests. If authorities find no evidence that they were involved in deep South violence, they will be released.