Army chief orders troops to step up protection for residents in deep South
Army chief orders tighter protection in Thailand’s Deep South amid rising violence targeting civilians and stalled peace talks with insurgent groups.
Royal Thai Army (RTA) commander-in-chief General Pana Klaewplodthuk on Monday ordered army base commanders in the southern border provinces to enhance protection measures for civilians, the army spokesman said.
RTA spokesman Major General Winthai Suvari said General Pana issued the directive during a meeting with commanders of agencies under the RTA, held at Army Headquarters on Monday.
Winthai reminded the southern commanders that Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai had visited the region over the weekend to deliver policy directives to security forces aimed at improving safety and protection for local residents.
Winthai quoted General Pana as instructing commanders to implement Phumtham’s policies to ensure that people in the area can live their daily lives in safety.
Surge in Violence in Thailand’s Deep South
Thailand’s Deep South—comprising the provinces of Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and parts of Songkhla—has experienced a marked increase in violent incidents, particularly since early 2025. The escalation comes amid stalled peace talks between the Thai government and separatist groups, chiefly the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).
There has been a troubling shift in targets, with insurgents increasingly attacking civilians, including monks, women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Notable recent incidents include:
- 18 April 2025: A former Islamic teacher was shot dead.
- 22 April 2025: A blind mother and her daughter were killed.
- 2 May 2025: A gunman fatally shot three people in Narathiwat province, including a 9-year-old girl, a 75-year-old man, and a 76-year-old blind woman.
- 4 May 2025: A male civilian was shot dead in Yaring District, Pattani.
Army Ordered to Ensure Border Readiness
Winthai added that General Pana also instructed army units responsible for securing borders in other provinces to inspect their personnel and weaponry to ensure they are fully prepared to defend the nation's borders.
