Military on the right track in the South: Sonthi

Speaking to reporters at a military camp in Yala where he handed out more than 1,000 bullet-proof jackets to officials, Sonthi said his latest trip is aimed at enhancing capacity of the troops in the region.

He pointed to communication equipment and radios, saying the current inventory were not up to date and in short supplies.

The visit came just days after a bomb exploded in the heart of Yala, killing one police officers whose body was burnt beyond recognition. Footages of the officer engulfed with flame and his colleague trying to put out the fire shocked the nation as a number of newspaper decided to publish the gruesome images on their front page.

The Tuesday twin-bombing came as security officials were boasting about their so-called gains following a month-long shake down of three districts in Yala province where more than 300 people have been brought in for questioning.

The incident also revealed what Sonthi called "complacency" on the authorities' part as none were wearing protective clothing, as well as the fact that there were no fire or medical personnel standing at the scene.