NARATHIWAT: The Fourth Army Region commander says soldiers who shot dead three civilians "by mistake" have been ordered to turn themselves in.
Lt Gen Pornsak Poonsawat said the soldiers were due to surrender to local police yesterday so an investigation can begin.
Haphisee Mada-o, 24; Budeeman Malee, 26 and Manasee Sama-ae, 27, all from Rangae district, were shot by soldiers on Tawae mountain on Monday.
"Police will seize evidence from the men, which includes their firearms," said Lt Gen Pornsak.
The commander said the shooting may have been caused by many factors -- one of which was the soldiers disobeying an order not to venture into the insurgents' hideout without authorisation from their superiors, an act which prompted the armed clash on the border of Rangae and Cho Airong districts.
"The army chief has repeatedly emphasised that entering danger zones -- which are clearly marked on security maps -- must only be done with prior authorisation," he said.
According to Lt Gen Pornsak, the locations of these "no-go" zones have to be better communicated to both soldiers and residents.
A human rights committee comprised of respected figures from the victims' community has been formed to help resolve the matter.
