Most local businesses in the southernmost region of the country appeared to be open for work on Friday, the Muslim sabbath, after being closed last Friday because of fears of terrorist strikes.
Narathiwat governor Apinant Suethanuwong reported that most shops in city had opened their doors on Friday. He expected more would also open in Sungai Kolok district.
A majority of local shops in the southernmost region were shuttered last week after they were warned by insurgent groups not to work on the Muslim sabbath.
The bus services in the area were today running normally. They were halted last week.
In Yala province, at least 30 soldiers had been deployed in the commercial areas of Muang district to ensure security.
In the municipal area, where the population is mostly Buddhist, about 70% of local stores were open.
However, on the outskirts of the town, where the people are predominantly Muslim, the local markets remained quiet. The vendors said they were still concerned about their safety, despite the increased security presence.
A number of checkpoints had been set up to conduct searches of suspicious vehicles entering the area, as part of the effort to regain the locals’ confidence.
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