Six Dead, Police Camp Raided In Thai South: Police

[webfact]

Six dead, police camp raided in Thai south: police

NARATHIWAT, January 6, 2012 (AFP) - More than 30 suspected Muslim rebels attacked a police camp in the Thai south Friday, killing two officers, who were among six left dead by regional violence in less than 24 hours, police said.

The rebels raided a dormitory while officers were sleeping in the early morning raid in Narathiwat province, stealing five heavy guns and bullets. Another three officers were also injured.

"They planned well for this attack, in response to our successful raids which destroyed two of their weapon storehouses in December," said Police Colonel Satanpah Wamasingha, the local police chief.

Also on Friday morning in Narathiwat, gunmen shot dead one man and injured his teacher wife as they were driving a pick-up truck in Sungai Kolok town, police said.

In Pattani province, at around noon, there were two drive-by shooting incidents, killing two men and injuring one other.

Late Thursday in Yala province, a villager was shot dead on his way home from work at a rubber plantation.

According to the latest figures from Deep South Watch, which closely monitors the southern conflict, almost 5,000 people -- both Buddhists and Muslims -- have been killed and 8,300 wounded since the unrest began in 2004.

People in the region complain of a long history of discrimination against ethnic Malay Muslims by authorities in the Buddhist-majority nation, including alleged abuses by the armed forces.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-01-06

[Boss]

The Muslim-majority region was consisted of independent sultanates annexed by mainly Buddhist Thailand in 1902. Separatist violence has erupted periodically ever since.

Not a part of Malaysia......

[Dave9000]

America's record in resolving regional conflicts over the past 50 years, is not so flash! Resolution requires the Thai government to learn a thing or two about resolving local conflicts from the masters....the Russkies.

[BookMan]

The Muslim-majority region was consisted of independent sultanates annexed by mainly Buddhist Thailand in 1902. Separatist violence has erupted periodically ever since.

Not a part of Malaysia......

Not part of Malaysia...but predominantly Malay Muslim...and the population has more in common with Malaysian culture than Thai

[Footloose1949]

The 'Radicalisation' is probably more due to Thailand's annexing of this region from about 1904. That, probably is due to the aspirations of the French, who were trying to 'carve up' Asia around this time. Somewhat like the situation we now have in Bosnia etc, due in that instance, the Russians. One way or another a horrible mess, and just how one 'restores' things back to how they were pre-1914, or what other possible solutions there might be to resolving this conflict, is going to tax the minds of many for some time to come. Either side being heavy-handed, isn't going to help matters.

[BookMan]

The Muslim-majority region was consisted of independent sultanates annexed by mainly Buddhist Thailand in 1902. Separatist violence has erupted periodically ever since.

Not a part of Malaysia......

Not part of Malaysia...but predominantly Malay Muslim...and the population has more in common with Malaysian culture than Thai

Did i say anything about giving land away? You are taking a large leap of reason on that one. Stating a fact. Clearly it is a difficult situation in the South, one with a long history to its making.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Scott
Deleted quote edited out

[johna]

Its a separatist movement, its causes are numerous, political, cultural, linguistic etc.

Thailand's record of treating its ethnic minority's also contributed to this conflict.

It is not a movement fuelled by religious zeal, you need to get away from that mind set.

What should be noted here is the freedom of operation the separatist's have.

The Thai security forces are a long way behind the curve.

[philw]

Its a separatist movement, its causes are numerous, political, cultural, linguistic etc.

Thailand's record of treating its ethnic minority's also contributed to this conflict.

It is not a movement fuelled by religious zeal, you need to get away from that mind set.

What should be noted here is the freedom of operation the separatist's have.

The Thai security forces are a long way behind the curve.

Yes, wholly agree with you.

Your last two sentences say a lot.

The " security forces " are a very long way behind the curve and the truth is we have no idea how much popular support the bad guys have.

It must be substantial because they operate with impunity.

RTA results are seemingly negligible but 2-4 people are dying every day.

Hardly makes the news.

[InseeDaeng]

Thai army should consult IDF if they want progress in this matter! Guess Thailand´s to proud to get help from abroad

[BigJohnnyBKK]

As for treatment of ethnic minorities, I have yet to hear of hill tribes blowing people up or beheading them because of their poor treatment.

- Original historical context, the hill tribes have been the "outsider minority" from the beginning, while the oppressed "minority" is actually the dominant/mainstream within the southern provinces

- Lack of resources, both financial and political power basically non-existent from the beginning for the hill tribes

- Much **worse** treatment by the dominant majority has kept the status quo intact in the north

- Cultural differences, the hill tribes much less inclined to open conflict with those "above them" than those in the south of Thailand, IOW like most of Thailand's minorities they have learned "their place", and historically grin and bear it. Muslim ethnic Malays, not so much.

Solving this problem will take political sensitivity, a willingness for the powers that be to actually be willing to loosen the reins and devolve some real power to the local/regional level. Also intelligence, sensitivity and finesse.

None of which factors give me any confidence of a real solution coming anytime soon.

Of course raw force **may** be effective in preventing the root problem from surfacing, but won't actually solve the root problems and IMO would be likely to just add fuel to the fire in the long term, actually playing directly into the hands of those taking advantage of the situation for their own political purposes on the other side.

Given that, I would say the very **last** people you would want involved would be any American government agencies other than the Peace Corps and development agencies. And I speak as a American.

IMO people making blanket anti-Islam statements wrt this situation are fools.

[Richard W]

If Thailand tries ethnic cleansing in the south, will not Malaysia intervene, citing the precedent of Kosovo?

[metisdead]

It is perfectly acceptable to report on events and give opinions, it is not acceptable to post in a manner in which to bash any specific religion. One post removed as well as a reply.

7) Not to post slurs or degrading comments directed towards any group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

[anterian]

Indeed so, to a Moslem the world exists in 3 parts, the world of Islam, the nations in dhimmitude, and the nations of war.

Edited January 7, 2012 by Scott
Deleted quote edited out

[wxyz]

dangerous land down there for anybody not belonging to that group

Edited January 7, 2012 by wxyz

[hellodolly]

Its a separatist movement, its causes are numerous, political, cultural, linguistic etc.

Thailand's record of treating its ethnic minority's also contributed to this conflict.

It is not a movement fuelled by religious zeal, you need to get away from that mind set.

What should be noted here is the freedom of operation the separatist's have.

The Thai security forces are a long way behind the curve.

Have to disagree with you it is religiously inspired. You will note they want to set up their own government not be a part of Malaysia which is not subject to strict Shari law.

Why would they want to be different than all the other fanatic Muslim groups in the world. If it is political as you suggest would it not follow that part of the rebels would be Buddest?

[wxyz]

Its a separatist movement, its causes are numerous, political, cultural, linguistic etc.

Thailand's record of treating its ethnic minority's also contributed to this conflict.

It is not a movement fuelled by religious zeal, you need to get away from that mind set.

What should be noted here is the freedom of operation the separatist's have.

The Thai security forces are a long way behind the curve.

Have to disagree with you it is religiously inspired. You will note they want to set up their own government not be a part of Malaysia which is not subject to strict Shari law.

Why would they want to be different than all the other fanatic Muslim groups in the world. If it is political as you suggest would it not follow that part of the rebels would be Buddest?

exactly, i guess this time they did not have enough of a surprise attack to make it look like murder suicide, like the attack not that long ago

maybe they need to send the phuket bouncers there to keep the violence down

[xenophon]

What! No guards? No preparation? An inside job? Corruption? Is FROC managing this too?

The south has been an undeclared insurgent war zone for years. Surely, they are aware of the probability of this sort of attack.

Gives new meaning to "being removed to inactive posts"

[Gianni77]

I will never understand states under certain religion, work hard, live peacefully and respect your neighbor and all religions can live in peace. Respect and tolerance is all that is needed.

Have a nice weekend everyone...

[jshorts]

Why do you only mention muslims?

Wikipedia

List of major religious wars

These figures of one million or more deaths include the deaths of civilians from diseases, famine, etc., as well as deaths of soldiers in battle and possible massacres and genocide.

list of major religious wars.docx

Edited January 7, 2012 by Scott
deleted quote edited out

[Farang0tang]

Why do you only mention muslims?

Wikipedia

List of major religious wars

These figures of one million or more deaths include the deaths of civilians from diseases, famine, etc., as well as deaths of soldiers in battle and possible massacres and genocide.

Count which religion is involved in the most current unrests:

http://www.religious...rg/curr_war.htm

Edited January 7, 2012 by Scott
deleted quote edited out

[redfish44]

This thread is supposed to be about a news article.

I am sick and tired of threads about the south being hijacked by people arguing over things and spouting offensive opinions.

I am sure I am not the only one that actually wants to read these news threads to find out the details about the actual incidents reported, like where, who etc, and hear any follow up information by following the thread.

Instead have to read through pages of pointless posts, (many of which are deeply insulting to those of us who spend timke there and have family there), only to find there were no more actual news, information or facts posted.

Please keep any bigotted opinions to yourself, or open a seperate thread (maybe in an opinions thread, not a news thread), so those of us that want to know the news can have a chance of finding it out.

[Scott]

I have deleted a number of posts, but it seems this thread has gotten seriously off-topic and seriously insulting. I will close it temporarily to delete the undesirable posts.

//Closed for Cleaning//

[Scott]

A HUGE number of posts have been deleted. Please re-read the OP and stick to the topic.

My condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of those killed.

[Rooo]

Off topic posts removed.

5) Not to post inflammatory messages on the forum, or attempt to disrupt discussions to upset its participants, or trolling.Trolling can be defined as the act of purposefully antagonizing other people on the internet by posting controversial, inflammatory, irrelevant or off-topic messages with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or to generally disrupt normal on-topic discussion.

7) Not to post slurs or degrading comments directed towards any group on the basis of race, nationality, religion, gender or sexual orientation.

If you have a problem with the above rules, please let me know.

[erobando]

Its a separatist movement, its causes are numerous, political, cultural, linguistic etc.

Thailand's record of treating its ethnic minority's also contributed to this conflict.

It is not a movement fuelled by religious zeal, you need to get away from that mind set.

What should be noted here is the freedom of operation the separatist's have.

The Thai security forces are a long way behind the curve.

Have to disagree with you it is religiously inspired. You will note they want to set up their own government not be a part of Malaysia which is not subject to strict Shari law.

Why would they want to be different than all the other fanatic Muslim groups in the world. If it is political as you suggest would it not follow that part of the rebels would be Buddest?

It's about ethnicity and nationality. It's a separatist movement. The Buddhists are Thai.

They're ethnically Malay but but why would they want to join Malayasia if they were never part of it? They don't have any poiltical links to the Malaysian government, nor does Malaysia stake a claim to the area.

Was the IRA a fanatical Catholic group?

[TheGhostWithin]

Thai army should consult IDF if they want progress in this matter! Guess Thailand´s to proud to get help from abroad

As demonstrated by the administrations recent rejection of the ofer of US naval assistance during the floods. Losing face is something the administration has deminstrated is worth suffering to avoid taking place.

The problems in the south are complex. Obvious or not, the locals are very much malay. they speak pasa yawi, which is as much malay as american neglish is to british english, they are muslim and believe in a muslim state. They resent and reject the administration and all control functions, which includes the police, the army and the private security gaurds who roam around on motobikes with their body armour and guns on their backs.

[jshorts]

Why do you only mention muslims?

Wikipedia

List of major religious wars

These figures of one million or more deaths include the deaths of civilians from diseases, famine, etc., as well as deaths of soldiers in battle and possible massacres and genocide.

Count which religion is involved in the most current unrests:

http://www.religious...rg/curr_war.htm

*And, your point is?

[sbk]

Posts deleted. Re read the OP. Re-read the public warning by Scott. Fail to heed these at your peril.

[theblether]

This vicious cycle of death has to stop.......there has to be some kind of common ground to reduce the violence. I remember reading the story last year of the high ranking policeman who was close to retirement effectively begging to be transferred as he knew he was on the hit list, and just before transfer he was shot dead. ( I apologize I cant remember the exact details ).

I cant see Thailand being prepared to grant independence to the old Sultanates but maybe some type of regional assembly would be a good start to alleviate local disharmony.

[wxyz]

from wiki "South Thailand insurgency"

2011

On 11 February, three people were shot and burned. A car bomb exploded on the 13th which injured 18 people, civilians and soldiers, leaving seven hospitalised. Meanwhile, an insurgent was shot dead by soldiers.

On 22 March, a man and two women were shot in a remote village of Narathiwat Province on evening by about a dozen armed men. Police suspect the gunmen were Muslim insurgents who believed their victims were informants.

On 23 March, a roadside bomb went off one morning in a remote village of Narathiwat province when a truck carrying police arrived. None were wounded. The killings the night before could also have been staged to lure security personnel to the scene to be attacked.

On 18 April, a car bomb exploded in the business district of Yala, killing a Thai paramilitary ranger and injuring 23 people including four other rangers.

On 3 May, two grenades were fired at Pattani Task Force 21 base, but did not hurt anyone.

On 11 May, a fatal bomb blast during a football match in Kapho District in Pattani Province, killing four officers and wounding 13 others. Eight suspects have been detained. In Yala Province, two officers and two civilians were injured after a roadside bomb detonated in Meung District.

On 14 May, 4 insurgents came and demanded money from a gas station. The wife of the owner refused, resulting them shooting her and her sister. After that, the owner of the gas station came and shot one of the insurgents 3 times, killing him, resulting the other 3 to retreat. The dead insurgent turned out to be a minor leader operating in the area who is wanted for the 2009 Narathiwat bombings.

On 17 May, a roadside bomb detonated in Yaha district in Yala Province, killing two monks and seriously wounding two of their security escorts. More than 100 local Muslims gathered at the local mosque and condemned to violence

On 18 May, a Thahan Phran from the 47th Regiment was seriously wounded when attackers sprayed rounds of automatic weapons into his body in Yala, Meung District

On 20 May, a 30 man Thahan Phran unit from the 47th Regiment fought against 4 separatists insurgents in Ban Charupae in Tharn To district in Yala, resulting the death of all 4 insurgents. They seized 2 AK-47 assault rifles, a 38 caliber pistol and 9 mobile phones. One of the dead insurgents was identified as Ma-ae Aphibalbae, a key leader operating in the area who is responsible for over 28 alleged crimes with a bounty worth of 2,000,000 baht. Meanwhile in Narathiwat Province, two carbombs exploded, injuring a policeman and 8 other civilians.

On 22 May, in Nong Chick, Pattani Province, suspected insurgents shot a couple, Mr Pong and Mrs Somchit Khunee-art, killing both of them.

On 24 May, in Tak Bai, Narathiwat Province, a bomb detonated, killing a policeman and a policewoman while they were distributing food to the local community. Pol Sgt Ubonwan Chindapetch was the first policewoman to die in an explosion in the south. Meanwhile, in Sai Buri District, Pattani Province, an unknown number of gunmen came and shot Muhammat Stapo, the younger brother of Ismael Rayahlong, a major RKK leader operationg in the area who was responsible of the killing of 2 monks on 17 May this year. Finally, in Krong Penang district, Yala Province, insurgents shot dead Barudin Sama, assistant village head of Ban Tohbala as he was riding to the tea shop.

On 25 May, 12 soldiers from the 13 Regiment in Yala were ambushed by 3 insurgents, resulting the death of one soldier, Private Chuchat Kaeowonghio. A few hours later, a bomb detonated under a humvee carrying 20 soldiers, seriously wounding 6 of them.

On 27 May, police apprehended 2 RKK leaders in Narathiwat Province

On 30 May, a bomb went off in Meung District, Yala Province, wounding 5 soldiers

On 31 May, 2 insurgents accidentally detonated a bomb, killing themselves and injuring one other insurgent in Narathiwat Province. One of the dead insurgensts was identified as Abas Abu, wanted on multiple charges of attacking state officials and multiple bombings. His brother was the insurgent shot dead on February this year

On 2 June, 8 Navy SEALS from Narathiwat Task Force 32 clashed with 5 RKK insurgents in the [budo Mountain Range], resulting the death of 3 insurgents while the other 2 got away. They seized 2 M16 Assault rifles, 1 .38 pistol, 1 land mine, 1 grenade and over a 100 ammunition. Two of the dead insurgents have been identified as senior recruitment members of the RKK while the last person has been identified as the bomb maker of the group

On 4 June, soldiers managed to find 2 bombs in the middle of Tak Bai Market, which if exploded without warning, could kill many.

On 1 October, a truck driver, Pisuth Boonnap, was shot and killed in Pattani Province. In Narathiwat Province, Chanae distric, a village chief, Waepayunan Sideh, was shot three times and died instantly. A motorcade of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre secretary-general Panu Uthairat was ambushed by armed men in Pattani yesterday afternoon as well, injuring none.

On 3 October, three people were shot, two houses were burnt, and a bomb went off with the missing a tank with 6 soldiers in Pattani Province. While police found a massive hole between the Pattani-Yala rail way, authorities said it was an attempt to hide a bomb and detonate when the train passes by.

On 20 October, a wood trader, Daruslan Baka, was shot dead in Narathiwat Province

On 25 October, 10 bombs went off in Meung District, Yala Province, killing 3 people and injuring 44 others. Two of the dead were insurgents that their bombs accidentally went off when they hit a speed hump, while the third dead person is identified as Settawut Thongjeen,. Soldiers were able to defuse another 21 bombs. Over 60 insurgents were involved in this attack. While in Pattani Province, Sai Buri district, Sgt Maj Kriangkrai Ruamthong was wounded when insurgents ambushed a patrol, while Sgt Somporn Kaewthongprakam was seriously wounded in an attack in Pattani Province.

On 30 October, 2 men were shot and injured by suspected insurgents in Rueso District, Narathiwat Province.

On 31 October, 10 bombs went off in five districts across Narathiwat Province, injuring none. However, suspected insurgents gunned down 2 people at a petrol station. The victims were identified as Srithong Masi and Theeerapong Sae Lim, while another, Mali Masi, was also shot and killed at a nearby grocery shop. In Yala Province, a police officer, Pol Cpl Ruangrit Rongthip was wounded in an explosion.

On 2 November, in Yala Province, a 20 kg bomb went off, injuring 2 police border patrol officers of the Yala 44 regiment, and seriously injuring one other, Sansern Nama.

On 3 November, in Narathiwat Province, a 50-man police-military joint force arrested and apprehened an insurgent who was respnsible for plainting a bomb in Narathiwat on 30 October. He confessed that he planted the bomb. While in Ra-ngae District, six hunters were killed and one seriously injured when insurgents blew their truck up, and later that day, 6 other military personnel were injured at the same place.

On 4 November, an unknown number of insurgents fired M-79 grenade launchers into a military checkpoint, seriously injuring a passerby, Tiem Bangkeaw in Pattani Province. In Narathiwat Province], a joint military-defense volunteer task force apprehended two suspected insurgents carrying a shotgun and a 9mm pistol.

On 14 November, in Narathiwat Province, Rusdee Hayeelau, a rubber taper, an unknown number of insurgents shot three times in the body and died at the scene on his way to work.

On 20 November, in Narathiwat Province, a 50-men thahan phran squad from the 46th regiment got into a 30-minute gunfight with 4-5 groups of RKK insurgents, resulting the death of a key leader of the RKK, with a bounty of over 1 million baht, and was responsible for numerous attacks including one on the same regiment a year ago. Moreover, they apprehended 2 other insurgents as well.

On 1 December, in Yarang District, Yala Province, a joint police-military-local government task-force apprehended a leader from the RKK group who is a teacher for insurgents. Meanwhile, a soldier, Priavte Kriangkrai Pornhormfai, was killed after stepping on a mine, and another, Siam Sealao, was seriously wounded.

On 5 December, in Narathiwat Province,a 40-man thahan phran unit of the 45th regiment apprehended 3 suspected insurgents with a shotgun and some drugs.