There are few serious insurgent-related incidents in Krong Pinang district of Yala and Yaring district of Pattani, 4th Army commander Udomchai Thammasarorat said on Thursday, contradicting the deputy prime minister.
Lt-Gen Udomchai was commenting on Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung's remarks on Wednesday that he would propose at a meeting of the committee for implementation of policies and strategies for solving problems in the southern border provinces on Feb 15 that a night curfew be imposed in troubled areas, including Krong Pinang and Yaring district, where violent incidents repeatedly occur.
He said the situation in the two districts is generally normal, with only the occasional violence.
As for the recent murder of four fruit vendors in Krong Pinang district, it was not yet clearly established whether it was a personal conflict or the work of insurgents, Lt-Gen Udomchai said.
However, the Fourth Army would be ready to follow a curfew order if it is the government's policy.
Lt-Gen Udomchai said it was not necessary for him to explain the pros and cons of imposing a curfew anymore, as all concerned already had the details. A decision could be made right away on Feb 15, he added.
Col Pramote Prom-in, the spokesman of the Region 4 Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), said careful consideration was needed before imposing a curfew. Once a night curfew is imposed, the people would certainly be affected, particularly rubber tappers and those going out for night prayers.
Defence Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat also said it was not necessary, he said.
"Let the decision be made on Feb 15," he added.