Yala: More than 1,000 weapons and pieces of equipment for launching violent attacks were seized in Krong Pinang district over the weekend, according to the Internal Security Operations Command's (Isoc) Forward Command.
The weapons and equipment were discovered at what appeared to be an insurgent base around Taloh Sator mountain where shelters believed to have been used by insurgents were also found.
The raid on the area was announced at the forward command centre in the Sirindhorn army camp in Yarang district of Pattani.
The announcement was made by 4th Army Region commander Lt Gen Phonsak Poonsawat on Sunday.
The weekend raid followed major busts on insurgent hideouts on Dec 4.
Security forces clashed with a dozen insurgents they stumbled upon in tambon Taloh Sator in Krong Pinang district.
It was unclear if there were any casualties in the clash. However, the security forces confiscated a large quantity of bullets and firearms from the insurgents, including an M16 assault rifle, a 9mm handgun and at least two pipe bombs.
The authorities also collected electronic circuit boards thought to be material for assembling bombs as well as radio transmitters connected to explosives.
The bullets and the other firearms were later retrieved from 42 locations near the scene of the clash.
The authorities also warned anyone providing shelter to insurgents or assisting them will be subject to heavy criminal punishment.
On Sunday, the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) organised a seminar where it called on teachers in the far South to help keep young people away from insurgent groups.
At the seminar attended by 140 teachers from the southern border provinces, SBPAC secretary-general Somkiat Pholprayoon said the young hold the key to solving the southern unrest and must be taught to avoid meddling with those elements who set out to indoctrinate them.