Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will visit the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat tomorrow despite recent bombings in the region, as confirmed by Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai.
Phumtham, who is also with the defence ministry, yesterday, January 14, addressed two bomb incidents: one in Ano Ru subdistrict, Mueang district, Pattani, which injured six paramilitary rangers on Monday morning, January 13, and another in Sri Sakhon district, Narathiwat, which claimed the lives of two police officers.
Phumtham mentioned that these incidents were discussed in a National Security Council meeting, noting that “whenever we reduce the enforcement of emergency laws, incidents occur, seemingly aligned with the agenda of certain groups.”
He expressed the need to reassess the situation, instructing the council to review within a month whether the measures implemented have led to improvements or setbacks.
The deputy PM stated that PM Paetongtarn planned a visit to the southern border provinces tomorrow and confirmed he would accompany her. He stressed that security measures are the responsibility of relevant agencies, which must ensure everything is handled appropriately.
This visit will be the 38 year old Thai premier’s first to the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala. During this trip, PM Paetongtarn plans to attend a meeting to expedite and monitor development projects in these regions, including constructing a parallel bridge over the Kolok River in Sungai Kolok district and the Hat Yai-Sungai Kolok double-track railway project.
This announcement follows the death of an award-winning police officer and his son, who were killed when a road bomb hit their pickup truck yesterday morning, January 14.
The officer, 56 year old Police Lieutenant Colonel Suwit Chuaythewarit, and his son, 35 year old Police Senior Sergeant Major Dome Chuaythewarit died in the explosion in Sri Banphot subdistrict, Sri Sakhon district, at 9.50am.
Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was the principal of Tua Ngo Border Patrol Police School in Sri Banphot subdistrict, serving approximately 120 pupils who are not native Thai speakers.
A Muslim native of Phatthalung province, he was one of 13 teachers at the school. Suwit received the Princess Maha Chakri Award 10 years ago for his outstanding contribution to education and the development of his students’ lives. His school emphasises teaching morality and sufficiency to local students, reported Bangkok Post.
Having attended another border patrol police school in his home province during childhood, Pol. Lt. Col. Suwit was inspired to become a teacher at a border patrol police school.
The story PM Paetongtarn to visit southern provinces amid recent bombings as seen on Thaiger News.
