Sgt-Maj Koset Bunyapho uses a paraglider to patrol border villages and visit local people living in remote areas in Pattani. - JETJARAS NA RANONG

Infantrymen in the violence-plagued deep South have turned to using para-gliders to patrol border villages and visit residents living in areas inaccessible to vehicles.

Three paragliders worth 150,000-250,000 baht each were used by soldiers from the Ubon Ratchathani-based 6th Infantry Regiment who are providing security in Pattani province.

Sgt-Maj Koset Bunyapho, 45, is one of five infantrymen sent to undergo flying training. He flies a paraglider to conduct an air patrol, and distributes leaflets to tell residents about the southern situation.

The officer admitted flying a paraglider was not easy for infantrymen. They had a risk of accidental injuries and attacks by separatist members.

''It's risky. Before flying, we have to survey areas nearby to avoid possible attacks by armed gangs. A paddy field or a football yard is used as a runway. Flying requires strong wind and physical fitness,'' said Sgt-Maj Koset.

The officer experienced three accidental injuries from flying the paraglider. However, such injuries did not discourage him from carrying out his task to beef up security in the South.

''It's our duty. We have to reach all villages. Sometimes we have to check geographical conditions of places where we will visit first in order that we will reach them fast,'' said Sgt-Maj Koset.

Flying a paraglider made him a target of attacks as he was armed with a pistol, not an M-16 rifle. It was not convenient for pilots to carry rifles while flying para-gliders, he said.

Each paraglider carried 12 litres of fuel. Using paragliders was cheaper than vehicles as a one-hour flight required only two litres of fuel.