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May 4, 2006
Thailand: Several Deaths In Muslim South
The southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, as well as two districts of Songhkla province, formerly comprised an independent Muslim sultanate called Patani, before they were officially annexed by Thailand a century ago. The population in these provinces is 80% Muslim, and 20% Buddhist. Since February 2004, an insurgency has been carried out by Muslim separatists, who wish to see the southern region secede from Thailand. 1,200 people have died in the violence so far. Recently, the majority of victims of this violence seem to be Muslims themselves, individuals judged to be "collaborators" with the Thai authorities.
The Bangkok Post lists the ongoing violence, which appears to be increasing in intensity since Thailand has had two failed elections after Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra stepped down from government on April 4.
Last night four people were shot dead on Wednesday night (May 3) and earlier this evening an elderly villager was stabbed to death in Pattani province. 62-year old Jit Thammarat was attacked by two men who were riding a motorcycle in Nong Chik, Pattani. Jit was stabbed several times in the neck, and died shortly afterwards in hospital.
In Sai Buri district in Pattani on Wednesday, an assistant village head was in his home when three men stormed inside. 22-year old Marosadee Yae was shot dead and the three assailants fled.
Elsewhere in Sai Buri district, a medical worker called Malae Wang was attacked in his home by eight gunmen, who fired multiple shots into his body, killing him.
In Muang district in Yala province, 58-year old Hama Kuno, a supporter of a former political candidate, was attacked in front of his toilet at the back of his home on Wednesday. He was shot several times and died later.
In Raman district in Yala province, a 48-year old villager, Doha Dayeesor was found dead in bushes behind his house. He had been shot in the head and body with an M-16 and an AK assault rifle.
On Tuesday, an elderly rubber tapper, Phut Channukroh, aged 63, and his 62-year old wife Juan were riding a motorcycle to their rubber plantation in Narathiwat province when they were shot at by a group of five men. Phut fired his handgun at them, and injured two. Later five suspects were arrested in Rangae district. Phone records of these suspects showed they had been in contact with a local influential figure and local politicians prior to the assault on Phut and his wife.
As we reported on April 24 there were several violent attacks at polling stations recently.
Posted by Giraldus Cambrensis at May 4, 2006 7:06 PM
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