NARATHIWAT - Stricter security measures allowed under martial law have been imposed across Narathiwat amid efforts to track down militants responsible for an attack that killed five paramilitary rangers earlier in the week.
The Narathiwat Task Force said military personnel are now authorised to set up checkpoints, search suspicious vehicles and properties and detain individuals suspected of involvement in unrest under provisions of the Martial Law Act.
The enhanced measures took effect on July 22 under an order signed by Maj Gen Yod-arwut Puengpakdee, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, and have been set to remain in force until further notice.
Officials said the move aims to pressure those behind an attack on Wednesday at the Bukeh Sami checkpoint in Rangae district as well as strengthen protection for local residents.
According to the Internal Security Operations Command's Region 4 Forward Command, six gunmen travelling in a pickup truck opened fire and threw pipe bombs at the checkpoint, killing five rangers and injuring six civilians, including two children.
The attackers escaped and remain at large.
National Security Council secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said the latest violence was regrettable but should not derail efforts to revive peace talks for the southern border provinces.
He said the government remained committed to negotiations led by Thailand's new chief negotiator, Thanut Suvarnananda, while continuing to take stern legal action against groups responsible for attacks.
Mr Chatchai said many groups involved in the conflict were willing to engage in dialogue and return to civil society, and warned that abandoning the peace process in favour of a security-only response would risk worsening tensions.
He also stressed the importance of cooperation with Malaysia, which has been facilitating peace talks. Mr Chatchai said he believed Malaysia could engage with insurgent groups based in the country and help coordinate efforts to curb violence.
