Most shops were closed and few vendors were selling in fresh markets in Yala and Narathiwat on Friday morning after reports circulated that separatist militants planned widespread unrest in the deep South on Friday, the Muslim sabbath.
Reports said at least 70% of the shops remained closed and fresh markets were unusually quiet.
Yala governor Decharat Simsiri and military officials inspected security arrangements at a fresh market on Friday morning.
Some vendors told the governor they were confident about their safety, but wanted security forces to watch over them consistently.
The reports said public van services were not operating in the southernmost border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, and in southern Songkhla.
Not many vendors are selling in a fresh market in Yala on Oct 5, 2012. They are concerned about rumoured threats of southern insurgent attacks. (Post Photo)
