Army recruits in South could be moles for insurgents

Large numbers join in curfew areas

By Wassana Nanuam & Wadao Harai

The large number of Muslims being recruited to the army in the restive South has become a security concern as some are suspected of working as moles for insurgent groups, said Kasikorn Khirisri, deputy commander of the Fourth Army.

The annual recruitment of soldiers in Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat started on April 1 and runs to April 11.

The number coming forward in the last seven days has significantly increased on last year.

Overall, 150 people were recruited in each province, up from 50 in 2006.

The deputy commander said personal and family records were checked to ensure the recruits were not infiltrators.

"Even if they are found later to be sympathisers of separatist groups, we still welcome them because we believe we can change their attitude during military training," Maj-Gen Kasikorn said.

Among the three provinces, Yala has achieved a record high of new recruits, especially in the curfew-imposed districts of Bannang Sata and Yaha.

The unofficial figure stands at 500 in Bannang Sata district and 300 in Yaha district.

The source said navy chief Adm Sathiraphan Keyanont ordered a battalion of paramilitary forces or around 900 marines coupled with special forces to be deployed in Narathiwat's Muang district, due to a shortage of security personnel.

The paramilitary troopers have been trained in naval special warfare tactics, and a reconnaissance training programme.

Currently, more than 30,000 military personnel, including 15,000 from five regiments coupled with an additional 30 companies, provide security in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and four districts in Songkhla. However, personnel are still running short due to the large geographical area under jurisdiction.

In Narathiwat, Terdsak Sipikran, 47, owner of a fertiliser and pet food shop, sustained serious gunshot wounds when he was shot during a robbery in Yi-ngo district yesterday.

Police said one of two assailants posing as customers shot him two times before making off with a 10kg bag of urea fertiliser. Police suspect the fertiliser will be used to make a bomb.

Deputy governor Niphon Narapitakkul yesterday granted relief money to families of a village headman and his assistant in Rueso district who were slain on Friday while on guard duty.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007