Insurgents threaten Muslim defence volunteers in Pattani

Insurgents in Thailand's southern border region have issued threats against Muslim defence volunteers. They warned these volunteers to withdraw from their roles or face life-threatening danger. Authorities found leaflets detailing the threats at a mosque in the Kapho district. The leaflets were dropped off by two young men on a motorcycle, who quickly escaped. This warning comes amid rising violence aimed at these defence volunteers. On Monday, a bomb exploded in a car driven by defence volunteer Suyanee Seeba, leaving her seriously injured. This incident follows a recent visit from Fourth Army Region commander Lt Gen Paisal Noosang, who spoke in Cho Airong district to encourage security personnel. Lt Gen Paisal stressed the need for law enforcement that respects human rights, stating operations focus on insurgents rather than vulnerable communities. Just earlier this month, the Sungai Kolok district office in Narathiwat was attacked, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries. Since 2004, the violence in this region has been severe. Reports indicate there have been nearly 23,000 security incidents, leading to over 7,600 deaths and more than 14,000 injuries.