Yuthasak stresses pro-active approach
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Security operations of all agencies in the south, particularly those involved in intelligence work, will adopt a pro-active approach, to reassure the public that there will be greater unity in their operations, said Defence Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa sai
“From now on the work of all parties must be pro-active. Intelligence operations, in particular, must be more accurate and done in a timely manner as they are key in leading to successful missions," he said.
He reiterated that the work must be carried out in conjunction with relevant agencies, according to Thai News Agency.
Yuthasak was speaking in the wake of the deadly multiple car bombings in the southern border provinces of Yala and Songkhla last Saturday, which killed 15 persons.
Yutthasak repeated his warning of possible security threats from mid-April to mid-May, saying the warning was meant to alert the public as the timing coincides with the Organisation of Islamic Countries (OIC) meeting.
In addition, insurgents could stage more attacks to attract international attention and to mark the anniversaries of the Tak Bai and Krue Se incidents.
The deputy premier said he believed that the violence would not spill across the borders of the four southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla into other regions. He also expressed confidence that there would be no untoward incidents marring Songkran, the long Thai traditional New Year festival running from April 13-17, especially in Hat Yai.
He said the investigators are racing against time to examine vehicles left in the hotel parking lots in Lee Gardens Plaza as many of them were destined for use in car bombings. He said that the explosives were brought in from abroad and assembled by bomb experts in Thailand.
The deputy premier also urged more vigilance in checking vehicles and strict measures for parking and access in all areas.
