December 30, 2004

Troops in far South to stay put  

About 15,000 troops deployed in the deep South cannot join rescue operations in the tsunami-hit provinces due to the highly volatile situation in the restive region, a senior army officer said.

 The soldiers deployed in Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat provinces must stay put following warnings about possible militant attacks, said Maj-Gen Chalermchai Viroonpet, commander of the Fifth Infantry Division.

 However, troops from the upper South, including Ranong, Chumphon, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phangnga have been sent to take part in rescue and recovery operations in areas devastated by Sunday's tidal waves.

 Troops from the Fourth Development Division in Songkhla's Hat Yai would be sent to help pick up the pieces later, the commander added.

 Maj-Gen Chalermchai also called for a halt to the southern unrest saying militants should feel sympathy for affected residents of the provinces devastated by the tidal waves.