Plan to deploy troops in Thai temples draws opposition

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - The proposal of army-ruled Thailand to deploy soldiers at temples in the conflict-ridden southern parts has drawn criticism from a separatist group in the country, local media reported on Thursday.

The criticism came a few days after Thai army chief General Apirat Kongsompong visited Rattananuparb Temple in southern Narathiwat province.

“Having soldiers as monks in temples will create confidence and ease concerns among the public and other monks over their safety,” Apirat said after visiting the temple.

However, Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO) leader Kasturi Mahkota warned the army chief against such a plan.

“An increased military presence at temples may put civilians in danger,” the Bangkok Post quoted Kasturi as saying.

Armed insurgent groups were formed in the 1960s after the then-military dictatorship tried to interfere in Islamic schools, but the insurgency faded in the middle of the 1990s.

In 2004, a rejuvenated armed movement -- composed of numerous local cells of fighters loosely grouped around the Patani Malay National Revolutionary Front (BRN) -- emerged.

Mara Patani is an umbrella body of the groups in southern provinces, including Patani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla. The group is fighting for secession from the country. PULO is part of Mara Patani.

The confrontation is one of the deadliest low-intensity conflicts on the planet, with more than 7,000 people killed and over 11,000 injured since 2004.

Thailand is under army rule since 2014 and first elections since then are set for March 24.