Thailand has tightened security across its southern provinces for 10 days from November 6 to 15 following warnings of possible attacks by separatist groups targeting civilians and security forces.
The alert was issued after the Southern Border Provincial Police Command detected movements by suspected separatist groups believed to be preparing attacks in several targeted areas.
In response, the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 (ISOC 4) ordered all subordinate units to raise preventive measures and surveillance to the highest level throughout the period.
An ISOC 4 spokesperson said intelligence indicated that separatist leaders had instructed their members to target civilians suspected of cooperating with the government.
The groups were also believed to be planning ambushes against security personnel at checkpoints and roadblocks, as well as bomb attacks along routes frequently used by security forces.
“If the initial targets cannot be achieved, the separatist groups may join forces to attack operational bases, sub-district protection units and volunteer defence personnel in the affected areas,” the spokesperson told Utusan Malaysia.
Security personnel have been instructed to carefully plan their movements, including identifying both main and alternative routes before deployment.
Route inspections and patrols must also be conducted in advance to detect potential threats and prevent information about security movements from falling into the wrong hands.
Surveillance has been stepped up along all entry and exit routes to operational centres, including areas surrounding checkpoints, roadblocks and security bases.
Meanwhile, intelligence gathered by police and ISOC 4 indicated that separatist leaders and operational units had allegedly begun moving weapons and equipment into targeted areas ahead of planned attacks against government personnel.
“The separatist group’s logistics department is believed to be secretly transporting weapons to carry out attacks aimed at undermining the credibility of government control.
“Therefore, all units must strictly comply with security measures, including conducting thorough inspections at every roadblock,” the spokesperson said.
