Songkhla: Know the group of perpetrators who shot the police car, causing the death of the novice monk. Urgently disperse forces to hunt them down. Disperse forces to hunt down BRN group suspected of shooting at police vehicle, killing one monk; believed to still be hiding in Songkhla Province, bordering Khok Pho District, Pattani Province. This morning (23 April 2015), there was a meeting of security agencies in the area at the Songkhla Task Force, which was set up as a tactical command center to control the area and follow up on the case. At this time, officials are somewhat aware of the group of perpetrators who committed the crime. It is believed to be the same old BRN group with about 16 old troops and an unknown number of new troops joining the group. They are operating in Khok Pho District, Pattani Province, and the border of Saba Yoi District, Songkhla Province.
According to Thai News Agency, there are 4 members in the Saba Yoi district area, and at least 2 of them were involved in the incident, wearing black and wearing helmets to cover their faces. It is believed that they are still hiding in the area between Saba Yoi and Khok Pho districts.
Monks do not abandon temples even in red zones. Today, the news team went to the area to see the atmosphere at Wat Kuhra or Wat Ko Aphinihan in Saba Yoi District after the tragic incident yesterday. The atmosphere was found to be rather quiet, but religious activities were still being carried out as usual. Meanwhile, the Deputy Commander of the 4th Army went to give encouragement and meet and talk.
The abbot of the temple said that he still has the will to stay in the area despite the unrest because he has devoted himself and his soul to religion and the area in the southern border provinces. He confirmed that he will not abandon the temple, but will protect the nation’s treasures such as the ancient temples and maintain Buddhism in the southern border provinces.
‘Phumtham’ orders a proactive work adjustment. Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, is concerned about the situation in the area. He has discussed with General Pana Klaewplodthuk, Commander-in-Chief of the Royal Thai Army, Commander of the 4th Army Area, who wants the work to be adjusted to a proactive form, not just defensive. Importantly, it will create confidence for the people in the area.
‘Chusak’ orders the Office of Buddhism to go to the area to provide close care. Mr. Chusak Sirinil, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office in the capacity of supervising the National Office of Buddhism, expressed his regret over the incident and ordered the Office of Buddhism to go to the area to provide close care and participate in religious ceremonies. From now on, the measures to provide care must be more stringent. The problems in the southern region are quite complicated. It is necessary to analyze the various problems to determine what caused them.
‘Wan Nor’ condemns the perpetrators who shot the novice monk. Mr. Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, condemned the perpetrators who committed the crime, stating that those who commit acts that affect people of different religions, whether they are Buddhists, Muslims, or Christians, all of them affect the minds of those who believe in religion, and it is a matter that the government, including relevant officials, must deal with quickly.