The decree for administration in emergency situations now in force in the three southern border provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat will be extended for another three months, from March 20 to June 19, National Security Council secretary-general Gen Somsak Rungsita said.
The NSC chief was speaking after a meeting on Monday of the committee for the administration of emergency situations chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.
The 59th extension of the decree was at the request of the forward headquarters of Internal Security Operation Command Region 4, following an assessment of the state of insurgency in the three border provinces, he said.
Gen Somsak said the meeting also discussed ways of increasing the efficiency of investigators handling security cases.
Gen Prawit instructed Isoc Region 4 and all security units in the three provinces to build up public confidence by conducting a thorough assessment of the situation, taking the offensive in intelligence operations and ensuring justice in law enforcement, he added.