Intelligence authorities: Violence to continue in Deep South after Ramadan

BANGKOK, August 20 (TNA) - Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Spokesperson Ditthaporn Sasasamit says violence is expected to continue in Thailand's insurgency-torn Deep South after the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Ditthaporn made the remark after attending a meeting of intelligence authorities, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa at the Government House Monday. Ditthaporn told reporters that bombings, ambushes and other kinds of attacks should continue to occur as militants want to maintain the violent image of the region. Their continued attacks also aim to show that the government’s measures to quell violence are not working, he said. The ISOC spokesperson said local authorities, therefore, are urged to take extra precautions, adding that the Interior Ministry, meanwhile, has been instructed to work with all concerned agencies in providing protection for local government offices. (TNA)