The Royal Thai Navy has established a new unit comprising 2,000 marine rangers to reinforce a marine taskforce operating in the deep South, a navy source says.
Navy chief Adm Surasak Rounroengrom visits marines at the Chulabhorn marine camp in Narathiwat yesterday.
The new ranger unit is based in Narathiwat where the navy has taken a leading role in combating security problems in the southernmost provinces.
The rangers will be deployed in four districts from April 1 - Muang, Bacho, Rueso and Tak Bai.
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The new unit was created in response to an Internal Security Operations Command decision to redeploy other security personnel in the southern border provinces, the source said.
It will reinforce the marine taskforce in the region.
The marine taskforce was credited with foiling an attack by 50 armed militants on a marine base in Narathiwat's Bacho district on Feb 13. Sixteen militants were killed in their botched raid.
The newly-established marine ranger unit would strengthen the taskforce's operations at marine bases in Narathiwat, the source said.
The new unit comprises 16 companies totalling almost 2,000 marine rangers who will be deployed in areas under the responsibility of the taskforce.
Navy chief Surasak Rounroengrom, who was visiting the Chulabhorn marine camp in Narathiwat yesterday, told the soldiers to be extra vigilant while guarding their posts.
He said militants might try mount attacks to avenge the failed raid on Feb 13.
The source said insurgents had reportedly been seen in areas near several marine installations in Bacho district at night.
The insurgents were believed to be on missions to gather information about marines' movements.