Police in South seek 1,500 new assault rifles
Deputy Prime Minister Kowit Wattana yesterday urged residents of the South to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities, while police said they planned to use a new type of assault rifle in the restive region.
Police want to procure 1,500 new semi-automatic rifles, the 5.56mm Colt M4A2 model made in the United States.
Kowit said police would strive to turn more villages in the southernmost provinces into “white”, or violence-free, villages and apply His Majesty’s concept of understanding, outreach and development.
The Cabinet will today decide on the Bt209.1-million budget proposal for the purchase of the guns.
A police report claims that the situation in the southern border provinces and four districts in Songkhla since 2004 has deteriorated, so police need better weapons that are suited to the task of search and rescue.
The Colts will help them maximise their effectiveness, including fighting in forests and mountains.
