40 replies to this topic

[webfact]

New military tactics for South
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- Armed aerial reconnaissance and tighter security to tackle spurt in violence, bomb attacks: Sukampol Curfew could be imposed in some areas after Ramadan to keep insurgents from carrying out strikes at night

In the wake of a surge in insurgency violence and frequent car-bomb attacks in the deep South, new military tactics and heightened security measures will be deployed, including armed aerial reconnaissance, Defence Minister Sukampol Suwannathat said yesterday.

In an interview yesterday, he said imposing curfews would also be an option in areas where the insurgents operated to minimise night-time attacks and limit their movements. "About the curfews, nothing has been discussed [by senior security officials] in detail and I cannot yet comment on it, especially on legal aspects when certain laws are concerned," he added.

Sukampol said he had discussed with the Army and Air Force leadership the possible use of aerial patrols or armed reconnaissance during future land operations by soldiers. "In the case of the insurgent ambush that killed four soldiers recently, the attack would not have been successful if there had been a plane flying overhead providing early warning or close air support. Anyway, the commanders will discuss the use of air power in detail later on," he added.

He did not cite the specific types of aircraft that could be used in aerial armed reconnaissance, but said the Air Force sorties would be "small-sized" operations and the aircraft used "would not be F-16 fighters". Media reports speculated that more armed helicopters would be used on a regular basis to patrol areas ahead of or above ground forces during their foot or mounted patrols.

Sukampol apologised to residents in the region about the tighter security measures put in place, which would cause them inconvenience or affect their daily lives. Asked if he thought that authorities were still in control of the situation given the frequent violent attacks, Sukampol asked reporters their opinion. He was silent after hearing that the attacks were now on a regular basis while the government claimed otherwise.

Fourth Army Area commander Lt-General Udomchai Thammararojrat said military intelligence service was working hard on sorting out how to respond to reports about five car-bomb attacks being planned by the insurgents.

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasaprapha said the newly established operations centre was well in progress to carry out initial tasks and that he thought curfews would not be immediately needed. He said the setting-up of the 15th Infantry Division in Pattani was progressing, to take charge of regular security operations.

A proposal to impose post-Ramadan curfews has been submitted by the Internal Security Operations Command and is awaiting Cabinet approval, said a military source, while intelligence sources warned that insurgent leaders have instructed their operatives to target VIPs based in the South.

A number of defence research and development units have also been instructed to speed up their projects to devise equipment for personal safety or explosives-detection technology for troops deployed in the deep South, an Army spokeswoman said at a press conference yesterday.

Security has been tighter in seven business areas in four provinces in the deep South, while extra measures were also adopted in existing safety zones elsewhere as a direct result of the latest car bomb on Tuesday night at CS Pattani Hotel in Pattani, which saw heavy damage to the building and injuries to six people. More security patrols and road checkpoints are now in place in Muang and Betong districts in Yala; Muang Pattani district; Muang, Tak Bai, Sungai Kolok districts in Narathiwat, and Hat Yai districts in Songkhla.

A war room has been set up in Songkhla in the wake of three car bombs in recent weeks to prevent possible insurgent attacks or car bombs in Hat Yai. Provincial governor Krissada Bunraj also ordered an inspection of the emergency safety features and drills at government offices and department stores through coordination of civilian and military personnel. Two pickup trucks reported stolen are on a watch list - a silver Toyota Vigo and a silver Isuzu D-Max - after vehicles were seized by insurgents in the past by killing the drivers or occupants.

There were three car-bomb attacks during the ongoing one-month Muslim Ramadan period, which began on July 20, and 47 people were killed in July alone, including 26 civilians and one insurgent, apart from injuries to 98 people in various types of insurgent attacks.


-- The Nation 2012-08-02

[Om85]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

Edited by Om85, 2012-08-02 08:02:43.

[chinook]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

Do you find it painful on your knuckles whilst walking?

Edited by chinook, 2012-08-02 09:01:17.

[Theboy]

Armed aerial reconnaissance - have they not already tried that with a airship ?

[grumpyoldman]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

Do you find it painful on your knuckles whilst walking?

Instead of bashing the poster why don't you give an alternative argument, be constructive and show us that you are not the one with the chapped knuckles?

[sharecropper]

Armed aerial reconnaissance - have they not already tried that with a airship ?

How many soldiers, Monks and civilians have been murdered because money scammed on that disgraceful project didn't go into other, proper, security measures, I wonder.

Anyone know what happened to it? Or those who profited from it?

[smedly]

Having 6 solders patroling on 3x honda waves is seriously flawed, to a terrorist it's like shooting fish in a barrel, never seen the like of it, proper protection - vehicles - planning and execution is the answer along with Helicopter patrols and covert surveylence, what on earth are these army chiefs thinking sending young soldiers out on motorbikes.

What evil men do

[jonclark]

Having 6 solders patroling on 3x honda waves is seriously flawed, to a terrorist it's like shooting fish in a barrel, never seen the like of it, proper protection - vehicles - planning and execution is the answer along with Helicopter patrols and covert surveylence, what on earth are these army chiefs thinking sending young soldiers out on motorbikes.

What evil men do

Good point imagine the uproar if US / UK soldiers where ambushed and killed in Afghanistan whilst they were on patrol on a Honda Wave.

[simple1]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

The Deep South is their homeland, so what you are suggesting is Ethic Cleansing which is a War Crime. Perhaps it is in the best interest of Thailand to grant an Autonomous Administration status, as has been done in some other countries with similar conflicts.

Edited by simple1, 2012-08-02 12:17:39.

[phiphidon]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

The Deep South is their homeland, so what you are suggesting is Ethic Cleansing which is a War Crime. Perhaps it is in the best interest of Thailand to grant an Autonomous Administration status, as has been done in some other countries with similar conflicts.

Yingluck and the PTP had already proposed the "Autonomous Administration" when campaigning for the election last year ( posters tend to forget this as they prefer to concentrate on populist campaign proposals, easier target) but had to shelve the idea when coming up against military disaproval - they prefer a more direct approach shall we say. Prayuth:

Thailand has witnessed an upsurge in violence throughout its unsettled south. The message is clear: more repression will not pacify the region, so the government and the military need to adopt a different strategy.

Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the prime minister’s recently appointed director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, also raised the possibility of self-rule and of lifting the emergency decree that allows suspects to be detained for more than 30 days and grants government officials immunity from prosecution.

But Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth dismissed these suggestions, saying they are contrary to the army’s position of an ‘indivisible’ Thailand.

http://www.eastasiaf...erent-strategy/

So there you have it, tail wagging the dog due to the political nature of the army and its supporters - the results, more deaths.

[OzMick]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

The Deep South is their homeland, so what you are suggesting is Ethic Cleansing which is a War Crime. Perhaps it is in the best interest of Thailand to grant an Autonomous Administration status, as has been done in some other countries with similar conflicts.

Yingluck and the PTP had already proposed the "Autonomous Administration" when campaigning for the election last year ( posters tend to forget this as they prefer to concentrate on populist campaign proposals, easier target) but had to shelve the idea when coming up against military disaproval - they prefer a more direct approach shall we say. Prayuth:

Thailand has witnessed an upsurge in violence throughout its unsettled south. The message is clear: more repression will not pacify the region, so the government and the military need to adopt a different strategy.

Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the prime minister’s recently appointed director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, also raised the possibility of self-rule and of lifting the emergency decree that allows suspects to be detained for more than 30 days and grants government officials immunity from prosecution.

But Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth dismissed these suggestions, saying they are contrary to the army’s position of an ‘indivisible’ Thailand.

http://www.eastasiaf...erent-strategy/

So there you have it, tail wagging the dog due to the political nature of the army and its supporters - the results, more deaths.

The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait.............

PTP come up with an instant solution which the RTA rejects (not to mention the voters), so it's all the fault of the Army. Tell us again the one about the "peaceful protesters".

[phiphidon]

Yingluck and the PTP had already proposed the "Autonomous Administration" when campaigning for the election last year ( posters tend to forget this as they prefer to concentrate on populist campaign proposals, easier target) but had to shelve the idea when coming up against military disaproval - they prefer a more direct approach shall we say. Prayuth:

Thailand has witnessed an upsurge in violence throughout its unsettled south. The message is clear: more repression will not pacify the region, so the government and the military need to adopt a different strategy.

Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, the prime minister’s recently appointed director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, also raised the possibility of self-rule and of lifting the emergency decree that allows suspects to be detained for more than 30 days and grants government officials immunity from prosecution.

But Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth dismissed these suggestions, saying they are contrary to the army’s position of an ‘indivisible’ Thailand.

http://www.eastasiaf...erent-strategy/

So there you have it, tail wagging the dog due to the political nature of the army and its supporters - the results, more deaths.

The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait.............

PTP come up with an instant solution which the RTA rejects (not to mention the voters), so it's all the fault of the Army. Tell us again the one about the "peaceful protesters".

There have been 8 years of the army and the emergency decree at various periods. Most "outsiders" see that the army and the emergency decree are part of the problem not the solution.

"The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait............."

In reality the PTP have a snowballs hope in hell to gain any MP's from the southern provinces. What the Democratic party vote down there did was defeat the local muslim MP's who, dare we say, are not as well "funded" as the democratic party, but who are in favour of an autonomous region

Jul 22, 2011

No democratic hope for south Thailand
By Jason Johnson

PATTANI - Thailand's Puea Thai Party won this month's general election in a landslide, pummeling the incumbent Democrat Party. But in the insurgent-torn far south, local Malay Muslim politicians who had campaigned for some form of elected regional governance lost to Democrat Party candidates who remain opposed to any regional autonomy initiatives to resolve the armed conflict.

Puea Thai, the party that captured a majority of the national vote, and smaller parties such as Matubhum, Prachatam and Taen Khun Paendin, all conveyed to Malay Muslim voters that they would work to ensure Bangkok grants political concessions to the region.

On the other hand, the incumbent Democrats, the party believed to be favored by the monarchy, its Privy Council and the military's top brass, did not share this political vision. Rather, the party headed by outgoing prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested that it would seek to improve the region's Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), whose head has always been a Thai Buddhist bureaucrat appointed by Bangkok.

To the disappointment of Malay Muslim advocates of some form of elected regional governance, the Democrat Party captured nine out of the provinces' 11 constituency seats and some 55% of the region's party list votes. In other words, voters from this historically restive region where the population is approximately 80% Muslim in effect stood by the status-quo of political power arrangements between Thailand's center and its peripheral far south...............

....................... Certain Malay Muslim politicians and nationalist activists have called on successive Thai governments to introduce some new form of special regional governance. They have argued that this could quell insurgent-instigated violence as well as the political and cultural grievances that insurgents share with other Malay Muslims in this region that was formally incorporated into Siam, present-day Thailand, in 1909.
http://www.atimes.co...a/MG22Ae01.html

[Nickymaster]

I have always wondered what the duty of the Police is in Thailand. Why does the army have to deal with internal affairs. Isn't the police the one who should maintain law and order?

Where was the police when the Reds occupied downtown Bangkok?

It's easy to blame the army if they have to do the dirty work left behind by a corrupt Police force.

I have never heard Red lovers criticize the Police for letting them terrorize Bangkok.

I have never heard Red lovers criticize the Police for letting the south go out of control.

Edited by Nickymaster, 2012-08-02 15:04:53.

[redroo]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

The Deep South is their homeland, so what you are suggesting is Ethic Cleansing which is a War Crime. Perhaps it is in the best interest of Thailand to grant an Autonomous Administration status, as has been done in some other countries with similar conflicts.

don't forget its not the thai buddhist bombing people to death across the border of malaysia in malaysia.
the border is the border.
stop them muslims from comming here to do their Ethnic clensing.
their religious fascism has to be held back at a certain line and thats the border.

[Credo]

The situation in the South long ago passed the point where the police could deal with it. It is essentially a military conflict.

[thaifkrlim]

Man, I think that the proper way of dealing with this guys is to follow the example that Myanmar is giving us right now, I mean how many childs, monks, teachers , common persons and soldiers must to get kill before somebody do something really effective, I mean , if they see themselves as malays then kick them out to the sea, nobody is forcing them to live here.

The Deep South is their homeland, so what you are suggesting is Ethic Cleansing which is a War Crime. Perhaps it is in the best interest of Thailand to grant an Autonomous Administration status, as has been done in some other countries with similar conflicts.

don't forget its not the thai buddhist bombing people to death across the border of malaysia in malaysia.
the border is the border.
stop them muslims from comming here to do their Ethnic clensing.
their religious fascism has to be held back at a certain line and thats the border.

they are no thai buddhist bombing people in Malaysia! and the thai muslims are residents and citizens of Thailand..

[OzMick]

The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait.............

PTP come up with an instant solution which the RTA rejects (not to mention the voters), so it's all the fault of the Army. Tell us again the one about the "peaceful protesters".

There have been 8 years of the army and the emergency decree at various periods. Most "outsiders" see that the army and the emergency decree are part of the problem not the solution.

"The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait............."

In reality the PTP have a snowballs hope in hell to gain any MP's from the southern provinces. What the Democratic party vote down there did was defeat the local muslim MP's who, dare we say, are not as well "funded" as the democratic party, but who are in favour of an autonomous region

Jul 22, 2011

No democratic hope for south Thailand
By Jason Johnson

PATTANI - Thailand's Puea Thai Party won this month's general election in a landslide, pummeling the incumbent Democrat Party. But in the insurgent-torn far south, local Malay Muslim politicians who had campaigned for some form of elected regional governance lost to Democrat Party candidates who remain opposed to any regional autonomy initiatives to resolve the armed conflict.

Puea Thai, the party that captured a majority of the national vote, and smaller parties such as Matubhum, Prachatam and Taen Khun Paendin, all conveyed to Malay Muslim voters that they would work to ensure Bangkok grants political concessions to the region.

On the other hand, the incumbent Democrats, the party believed to be favored by the monarchy, its Privy Council and the military's top brass, did not share this political vision. Rather, the party headed by outgoing prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested that it would seek to improve the region's Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), whose head has always been a Thai Buddhist bureaucrat appointed by Bangkok.

To the disappointment of Malay Muslim advocates of some form of elected regional governance, the Democrat Party captured nine out of the provinces' 11 constituency seats and some 55% of the region's party list votes. In other words, voters from this historically restive region where the population is approximately 80% Muslim in effect stood by the status-quo of political power arrangements between Thailand's center and its peripheral far south...............

....................... Certain Malay Muslim politicians and nationalist activists have called on successive Thai governments to introduce some new form of special regional governance. They have argued that this could quell insurgent-instigated violence as well as the political and cultural grievances that insurgents share with other Malay Muslims in this region that was formally incorporated into Siam, present-day Thailand, in 1909.
http://www.atimes.co...a/MG22Ae01.html

So, Muslim candidates want an autonomous region, but in an area 80% Muslim area, the Democrats win 9/11 seats and 55% of the vote. THAT is called democracy. PTP .didn't stand a snowballs chance because the people there have long memories, and recognise a puppet show when they see one.
Maybe the voter's in the region read the could and decided that it also could lead to further demands of secession.

Edited by OzMick, 2012-08-02 17:52:39.

[rubl]

August, 2011 Urgent Policies to be Implemented in the First Year

1.5 Expeditiously return peace and security to people’s life and property in the Southern Border Provinces along with alleviation of poverty, narcotic drugs and dark forces by adopting His Majesty the King’s guidance to “understand, reach out, develop” as the principle of peaceful conduct by emphasizing the promotion of cooperation in all sectors of society in the area; ensure justice and fairness; enhance the opportunity for education and quality of life; create opportunities and equality; develop the economy and society; respect identities, local customs and traditions; promote decentralization of local governance in line with constitutional local practices. Furthermore, there will be integrated administration to ensure unity at both policy and operational levels in all sectors of society, the improvement and development of relevant laws and rules in congruence with the actual nature of the problem, as well as the provision of remedies to persons affected by violence.
http://www.thailandtoday.org/node/509

[sunshine51]

The situation in the South long ago passed the point where the police could deal with it. It is essentially a military conflict.

Yes...it is a military conflict...however...the solution must be a political solution.

[Credo]

The situation in the South long ago passed the point where the police could deal with it. It is essentially a military conflict.

Yes...it is a military conflict...however...the solution must be a political solution.

I agree, 100%.

[surangw]

The muslims doing the actual killing are just dupes of their leaders.

its about power, not religion or freedom.

[Woodcaulk]

The situation in the South long ago passed the point where the police could deal with it. It is essentially a military conflict.

Yes...it is a military conflict...however...the solution must be a political solution.

I agree, 100%.

LOL..dreamers you two....the only realistic way (read:there is the way things are and the way things ought to be and never shall they meet) anything ever gets solved is when one side dominantly crushes the other. Anything less and the problems just fester indefinitely.....as for armed aerial recon....."We'll come in out of the morning sun, put on some music about 3 kliks out, I like to use Wagner...my boys love it, and it scares the shit out of the bedsheets"

Edited by Woodcaulk, 2012-08-02 22:51:46.

[phiphidon]

The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait.............

PTP come up with an instant solution which the RTA rejects (not to mention the voters), so it's all the fault of the Army. Tell us again the one about the "peaceful protesters".

There have been 8 years of the army and the emergency decree at various periods. Most "outsiders" see that the army and the emergency decree are part of the problem not the solution.

"The people of the southern states must have fully embraced the concept of an autonomous region as a solution the trouble there - that's why they elected so many PTP candidates. Oh wait............."

In reality the PTP have a snowballs hope in hell to gain any MP's from the southern provinces. What the Democratic party vote down there did was defeat the local muslim MP's who, dare we say, are not as well "funded" as the democratic party, but who are in favour of an autonomous region

Jul 22, 2011

No democratic hope for south Thailand
By Jason Johnson

PATTANI - Thailand's Puea Thai Party won this month's general election in a landslide, pummeling the incumbent Democrat Party. But in the insurgent-torn far south, local Malay Muslim politicians who had campaigned for some form of elected regional governance lost to Democrat Party candidates who remain opposed to any regional autonomy initiatives to resolve the armed conflict.

Puea Thai, the party that captured a majority of the national vote, and smaller parties such as Matubhum, Prachatam and Taen Khun Paendin, all conveyed to Malay Muslim voters that they would work to ensure Bangkok grants political concessions to the region.

On the other hand, the incumbent Democrats, the party believed to be favored by the monarchy, its Privy Council and the military's top brass, did not share this political vision. Rather, the party headed by outgoing prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva suggested that it would seek to improve the region's Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), whose head has always been a Thai Buddhist bureaucrat appointed by Bangkok.

To the disappointment of Malay Muslim advocates of some form of elected regional governance, the Democrat Party captured nine out of the provinces' 11 constituency seats and some 55% of the region's party list votes. In other words, voters from this historically restive region where the population is approximately 80% Muslim in effect stood by the status-quo of political power arrangements between Thailand's center and its peripheral far south...............

....................... Certain Malay Muslim politicians and nationalist activists have called on successive Thai governments to introduce some new form of special regional governance. They have argued that this could quell insurgent-instigated violence as well as the political and cultural grievances that insurgents share with other Malay Muslims in this region that was formally incorporated into Siam, present-day Thailand, in 1909.
http://www.atimes.co...a/MG22Ae01.html

So, Muslim candidates want an autonomous region, but in an area 80% Muslim area, the Democrats win 9/11 seats and 55% of the vote. THAT is called democracy. PTP .didn't stand a snowballs chance because the people there have long memories, and recognise a puppet show when they see one.
Maybe the voter's in the region read the could and decided that it also could lead to further demands of secession.

With 80% muslims in the south maybe the only people who fear secession is the Army and of course, the democrats, they would hate to see their votes disappear.

[phiphidon]

August, 2011 Urgent Policies to be Implemented in the First Year

1.5 Expeditiously return peace and security to people's life and property in the Southern Border Provinces along with alleviation of poverty, narcotic drugs and dark forces by adopting His Majesty the King's guidance to "understand, reach out, develop" as the principle of peaceful conduct by emphasizing the promotion of cooperation in all sectors of society in the area; ensure justice and fairness; enhance the opportunity for education and quality of life; create opportunities and equality; develop the economy and society; respect identities, local customs and traditions; promote decentralization of local governance in line with constitutional local practices. Furthermore, there will be integrated administration to ensure unity at both policy and operational levels in all sectors of society, the improvement and development of relevant laws and rules in congruence with the actual nature of the problem, as well as the provision of remedies to persons affected by violence.
http://www.thailandtoday.org/node/509

Nice c & p rubl - but do you have an opinion?

[OzMick]

With 80% muslims in the south maybe the only people who fear secession is the Army and of course, the democrats, they would hate to see their votes disappear.

555 - you should travel a little more. From Ranong southwards along the West coast there is at least one mosque in every hamlet and village. Samui has a small population of Muslims, and you will see plenty of mosque signs travelling down the East coast as well, though not as many as on the west.
The majority of the people in the South are quite happy to be citizens of Thailand - but then again giving in to a thug minority seems to be OK with you. In fact I would argue that Thailand would be economically better off cutting off the North, the hundreds of billions in rice subsidies could then be used to improve living standards in the rest of the country including the far south.