Insurgent threats in deep South as Tak Bai massacre case passes

Security measures have been increased in Thailand’s deep South amidst intelligence reports suggesting insurgent groups are planning to instigate violence from today, October 26, until October 28, following the expiration of the statute of limitations for the Tak Bai massacre case.

Reports indicate that these groups aim to incite violence across four provinces to mark the 20th anniversary of the massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 85 individuals.

In Narathiwat, security forces are on high alert for potential bomb attacks, following the movement of two explosive devices from Tak Bai district to Mueang district. Key locations have been placed under heightened security.

Early today, a bomb exploded on a road near the Panare police station and the district office in Pattani, injuring two defence volunteers and causing damage to state property.

Yesterday afternoon, another bomb blast injured three soldiers in Narathiwat’s Rangae district. The explosive was concealed in an underground drainage pipe and detonated as the soldiers passed by.

Victims of the Tak Bai massacre and their relatives gathered yesterday at a grave site in Bacho district to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tragedy. The site is where 22 unidentified victims were buried.

Time does not heal all wounds

The massacre occurred in 2004 following an October 25 crackdown on protesters in Tak Bai district. Seven demonstrators were killed at the scene, and 78 others died from suffocation or organ failure while being transported in trucks to a military camp in Pattani province, 140 kilometres away.

In late April this year, the victims’ families filed a lawsuit with the Narathiwat provincial court against nine former top officials, accusing them of murder and other crimes.

In August, the court accepted the lawsuit against seven of them, including former Pheu Thai list MP General Pisal Wattanawongkiri, who was the commander of the Fourth Army Region at the time; Police Lieutenant General Wongkot Maneerin, then assistant national police chief; and Major General Chalermchai Wirunpeth, the 5th Infantry Regiment’s commander during the incident.

Additionally, the attorney-general filed a lawsuit against eight suspects with the Pattani Provincial Court on September 12. Maj. Gen. Chalermchai is a suspect in both cases. In total, 14 individuals were identified as suspects. The court will dismiss the case on October 28.

Muhamadsavari Useng, who participated in the activity marking the 20th anniversary, expressed that relevant authorities have not done enough to bring justice to the victims and their families.

Police Colonel Supachat na Phatthalung, chief of Tak Bai police station, attended an activity at a local mosque on Friday and attempted to correct any misinformation about the incident that could incite renewed violence.

Situation review

In Bangkok, Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai expressed regret that the suspects could not be brought to court before the statute of limitations expired. He assured that the government would review the situation to prevent similar issues in the future.

During a House meeting on Friday, People’s Party MP Romdon Panjor and Prachachart MP for Narathiwat Kamolsak Leewamoh proposed motions to brainstorm solutions to help the victims’ families heal.

The MPs highlighted that those affected by the violence might lose trust in the government. Democrat MP for Narathiwat, Yoonaidee Waba, stated that compensation alone cannot satisfy the people’s demand for justice. He urged the government to ensure the case does not hinder peace efforts in the region and to demonstrate its sincerity in addressing the issue.

The House voted to send the motions to its committee on legal affairs, justice, and human rights, as well as to the government for further study, reported Bangkok Post.