53 killed in the far South in August

Last month, August, saw a total of 90 violent incidents, including motorcycle bombs, an ambush at a military base and arson attacks, the centre said. The 53 dead included two police officers, three soldiers, eight defence volunteers, two teachers and a politician.

Democrat Narathiwat MP Jeh-aming Tohtayong said unrest continued because of the transition of political power and the official transfer period, which usually saw an increase in violent attacks. He and three other MPs from the area were willing to cooperate with the new government to solve the area's problems, he said.