DPM:Security situation in Thai far South improving

BANGKOK, October 12 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasiprapa, who oversees national security, says that the overall security situation in the violence-plagued Thai far South is improving, as the government is increasing proactive measures. General Yuthasak acknowledged although insurgents in the Thai deep South have threatened local people to close their businesses on Fridays, the overall situation appears to be improving, witnessed by more shops and firms opening this Friday. According to the deputy prime minister, some 30 per cent of all shops and firms in the troubled southernmost Thai region resumed their businesses this Friday, especially local convenience stores and those of Buddhists while those of Muslims remaining partly closed, even though opening rates remain particularly low in Narathiwat and Yala Provinces. The deputy premier noted that local security authorities have opened a hotline number, 1890, to receive tip-offs and complaints from local business operators and the general public. The deputy prime minister dismissed insurgents' recent accusation through leaflets that government authorities were threatening local people to close their businesses instead, urging local people to beware that the insurgents are trying to expel Buddhists and rule the majority Muslims in the far South by fear. The deputy prime minister insisted that the government has completely been aware of the insurgents' tactics and has been increasing proactive measures to protect local people; so, he believes the situation in the Thai far South should further improve next month. (TNA)