BANGKOK, July 9 — Thailand has extended the emergency decree imposed on southern border provinces Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala by another three months to ensure public safety.
Government spokesman Chai Wacharonke said the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin here today approved the extension.
“The extension of the emergency declaration from July 20 until October 19 this year, marks the 77th extension since 2005,” he told reporters.
The emergency decree, which was announced in 2005, is an instrument that will allow state officials to more effectively deal with the situation in the south.
It is meant to continue anti-violence moves in the three provinces and to ensure public and property safety.
Chai said the emergency in the provinces include exceptions in 15 districts — Yi-ngo, Sungai Kolok, Waeng and Sukhirin in Narathiwat; Yaring, Panare, Mayo, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng, Khok Pho, and Mae Lan in Pattani; and Betong, Raman, Kabang, and Krong Pinang in Yala.
He said the National Security Council reported the Fourth Army Region summarised operations results for consideration of the 77th extension of the emergency.
The report included that violence had decreased from the previous period, and that the assessment showed a majority of people did not want the emergency lifted.
“The extension is to ensure the safety of lives and property, and to maintain continuity in operations,” Chai said, adding that there were 10 violent incidents in the southern border provinces from April 20 to June 13 this year.
— Bernama
