Deep South death sentences prompt fears of attacks

– Thailand news selected by Gazette editors for Phuket’s international community

PHUKET: Security officers were tightening security across the deep South amid fears of retaliatory attacks by insurgents following the Pattani Provincial Court’s verdict on Wednesday sentencing five men to deaths for their roles in the gun attack two years ago that killed four soldiers.

Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan, who is also the defence minister, yesterday said justice had run its course based on evidence so he wouldn’t comment on that. He said he had instructed security officers to be prepared and take preventive measures in case insurgents launched attacks in retaliation.

Pattani Provincial Court on Wednesday sentenced five men – Isma-ae Da-ong, Masahafi Meetor, Korde Jehtae, Nimuhammad Niseng, and Isbulloh Beusa – to death for their roles in the July 28, 2012 gun ambush in Tambon Thanon of Pattani’s Ma Yor district.

During the ambush, 18 insurgents in three pickup trucks opened fire at close-range on the six-member team from the Pattani 25th Special Task Force who were travelling in a convoy of three motorcycles. Four soldiers were killed and two seriously wounded.

The slain soldiers were Sergeant Leuchai Julthong, 26, Private Benjarong Sikaew, Private Ekkalak Sidokmai, Private Phakin Hongmak, all of whom were 22. Sergeant Preeda Noppakhun and Private Akhom Chuklom were injured in the attacks. The insurgents also reportedly fled with the soldiers’ M16 rifles, bullet-proof vests and communication radios. The whole incident was caught on security cameras hence the clip was spread on Internet and caused fear among the public.

In related news, Their Majesties the King and Queen deputed Privy Councillor General Surayud Chulanont yesterday to present royally-granted items – including royal portraits, playgrounds, textbooks, sport equipment, medical supplies, computers, water filters as well as some money – to seven schools in Narathiwat’s Reu So district.

The ceremony, also attended by Fourth Army chief Lt-General Prakan Cholayuth and deputy governor Supanat Siranthawineti, was held at Ban Jeu Rae School, which has 16 teachers and 176 students from kindergarten to Prathom 6 level.

Surayud also met with local residents and the community’s women’s group afterwards.

— Phuket Gazette Editors