Prayut rejects call to declare BRN terrorist group

Calls for an official listing of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) as a terrorist group came after last week's truck bombing of the Big C Supercentre in Pattani town. (Photos FB/BIG-C-Pattani)

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha rejected suggestions on Tuesday that the government might consider declaring Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) a terrorist group to enlist international support to help combat violence.

He insisted the government has been enforcing laws to prevent violence, saying it is not the right approach to bring international organisations into the country's affairs.

Gen Prayut said the international community might not fully understand the problem and engaging them might complicate the issue. He said the situation in the deep South was complex with some groups such as drug and contraband smugglers exploiting unrest for their own gain.

He said these issues are sensitive and Asean countries have a non-interference policy.

"Development with wider public participation is a key factor in restoring peace and order. Legal and military measures must be implemented carefully.

"I think academics should not present only one side of the problem. Bringing in foreign countries will complicate things because we are dealing with a complicated issue," he said.

The prime minister was responding to suggestions the government might ask the United Nations to declare the BRN a terrorist group to step up pressure on insurgent groups.

The suggestions were floated following the bomb blasts at the Big C Supercenter in Pattani's Muang district last week.

Following the attacks, Human Rights Watch issued a statement saying the BRN had committed numerous violations of laws of war.

Meanwhile, two people were shot and killed Tuesday morning in separate incidents in Narathiwat's Rueso district, local police said.

Abdul Tuyong, 32, was found dead by residents near Wat Chanaram in tambon Laloh with several gunshot wounds.

Residents told police they heard gunshots before dawn, but did not go and investigate. Locals found the body near the temple later that morning.

Police believe the victim might have known his killer and was shot during a dispute that got out of hand.

An investigation is under way to determine the motive or to see if it is something to do with the insurgency.

Hours later, Rueso police were alerted to another body found in a field in tambon Samakkhi.

The victim was identified as Sudaman Lohna, 32, who was found with a gunshot wound to his left ear. He lived not far from where his body was found.

According to an initial investigation, the victim was talking to a group of people before a gunshot was heard.

Meanwhile, security checkpoints in Songkhla have put up signboards showing 17 people wanted in connection with southern violence in the wake of the bomb blasts in Pattani last week.

The 17 suspects are said to be active in Saba Yoi, Chana and Na Thawee districts in Songkhal, Nong Chik and Khok Pho districts in Pattani and Yala's Yaha district.

Security officials also have a list of vehicles reported stolen as they run checks on motorists and vehicles passing through checkpoints.