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64981
Tue, 06/09/2009 - 19:56
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Thai PM concerned over mosque shooting in South
BANGKOK, June 9 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Tuesday expressed regret and concern over the Monday night mosque shooting in Thailand's southern border province of Narathiwat, in which 11 Muslims at prayer were killed.
"The government is worried and regrets the latest violence caused heavy casaulties, in particular, the shooting at villagers while they were performing evening prayers in the mosque. The government will try its utmost to improve the situation,” Mr. Abhisit pledged.
Speaking to a press conference after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the premier noted recent incidents over the past few days had been carried out in a pattern different from insurgent attacks in the past. Fresh attacks had taken place in areas where government officials are rarely present.
The premier however declined to give further comment, saying that more information and analysis are needed before any conclusion about the latest incidents.
Mr. Abhisit said a special ministerial meeting responsible for development projects in the deep South will be held on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda are scheduled to travel to the region on Saturday, the premier said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the army chief, assigned by the prime minister to visit the troubled region, condemned the shooting as a "barbaric act" against innocent people.
Gen. Anupong denied the military was behind the attack, saying the insurgents tried to spread false claims against the authorities, while staging violent attacks in wider areas to set loose fear among local people.
"They want to raise the issue to a level of international concern, but the public can be assured any measures taken by the authorities would be based on a legal and human rights approach,” said the army chief.
In an attempt to boost the morale of people living in the insurgency-impacted southern border provinces who have been suffering from an almost daily violent attacks by militants, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved to spend nearly Bt2 billion to assist victims and relatives of those killed in the southern violence, as well as to increase the monthly allowance for state officials in the region, said deputy government spokesman Supachia Jaisamut. (TNA)
"The government is worried and regrets the latest violence caused heavy casaulties, in particular, the shooting at villagers while they were performing evening prayers in the mosque. The government will try its utmost to improve the situation,” Mr. Abhisit pledged.
Speaking to a press conference after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting, the premier noted recent incidents over the past few days had been carried out in a pattern different from insurgent attacks in the past. Fresh attacks had taken place in areas where government officials are rarely present.
The premier however declined to give further comment, saying that more information and analysis are needed before any conclusion about the latest incidents.
Mr. Abhisit said a special ministerial meeting responsible for development projects in the deep South will be held on Thursday.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban and army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda are scheduled to travel to the region on Saturday, the premier said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the army chief, assigned by the prime minister to visit the troubled region, condemned the shooting as a "barbaric act" against innocent people.
Gen. Anupong denied the military was behind the attack, saying the insurgents tried to spread false claims against the authorities, while staging violent attacks in wider areas to set loose fear among local people.
"They want to raise the issue to a level of international concern, but the public can be assured any measures taken by the authorities would be based on a legal and human rights approach,” said the army chief.
In an attempt to boost the morale of people living in the insurgency-impacted southern border provinces who have been suffering from an almost daily violent attacks by militants, the Cabinet on Tuesday approved to spend nearly Bt2 billion to assist victims and relatives of those killed in the southern violence, as well as to increase the monthly allowance for state officials in the region, said deputy government spokesman Supachia Jaisamut. (TNA)
