A spokesman for the Royal Thai Army has described how an assault that took place close to Thailand’s border with Malaysia resulted in the death of eight of its soldiers. It is thought that Muslim extremists were behind the action – the soldiers coming under attack in Narathiwat province while on escort duty.

The attack is among the most lethal to have occurred during the present conflict in Thailand’s southern areas, with separatists pushing for an Islamic state.

2,700 Killed by Thailand’s Violence Since 2004

Since the beginning of 2004, when the violence really began to take off, over 2,700 lives have been lost.

The ambush in Narathiwat occurred at approximately 0940 on the 14^th January, after the troops in question had escorted teachers to school. According to local police, a roadside bomb detonated at the point the soldiers passed it. Those behind the attack then killed those that that survived the blast’s impact.

Officials state that one troop was beheaded, while another report intimates such an action was also attempted on other Thai Army soldiers.

Previous insurgent attacks on teachers have led to them being provided with military escorts – the role played by the fated troops prior to the killings.

Unrest in Thailand’s Muslim-Heavy Provinces

Historically, a number of Thailand’s provinces have experienced turbulence. These include Narathiwat, Pattani, Songkhla and Yala – all areas with an overwhelming Muslim population.

While, however, such unrest was sporadic, an attack on an army depot in January 2004 kick-started the present situation.

In 2007, the organisation Human Rights Watch highlighted how mounting brutality was resulting in a greater number of civilian casualties. Criticism was directed at Thaksin Shinawatra, the former Prime Minister of Thailand, who was accused of stoking the fire with his fierce stance towards the militants.

In the months since 2006’s military coup, officials have raised the prospect of a more tender approach. However, this offer has not quelled the violence, with attacks a now-daily occurrence.

Source – Armed Forces International’s Far East Correspondent