Warning systems for temples

Published on November 08, 2005 - Thaksin vows increased security; bomb found near PM’s restaurant

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra said yesterday all temples in the three southern provinces hit by violence would have warning sirens installed and monks would be allowed to carry walkie-talkies.

His latest security measure was announced at about the same time as a 10-kilogram home-made bomb was found tied to a tree near a restaurant where Thaksin was due to have lunch in Narathiwat yesterday.

The bomb, which was placed about 200 metres from the restaurant, was successfully defused by security officials. It was wired to be detonated by mobile telephone, although cellphone signals are being blocked in areas being visited by the prime minister.

Police could not confirm whether the bomb was a coincidence or deliberately placed near the restaurant as Thaksin’s schedule is usually not released in advance.

Thaksin announced the sirens and walkie-talkies at Khao Kong temple in Narathiwat’s Muang district.

“New security measures to prevent attacks on Buddhist monks in those provinces would include installing warning sirens in all of the 197 temples in Narathiwat, Yala and Pattani,” Thaksin said.

Monks and abbots as well as laymen at temples will be allowed to carry walkie-talkies.

The premier was in Narathiwat to chair a kathin religious ceremony at Khao Kong temple.

The PM’s visit was under tight security in which hundreds of soldiers and police were deployed and mobile phone signals were blocked.

“The Buddhist ceremony being conducted today is to boost morale for all Thai Buddhists who are in the minority in these three southern provinces, even though they are in the majority in the country,” Thaksin said.

Meanwhile, the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) will organise a forum in Pattani from Monday to Wednesday to promote non-violent ways to restore peace in the southern provinces.

NRC chairman Anand Panyarachun and member Pipop Thongchai will give a speech to doctors working in the South in Songkhla on Thursday. They will then meet with Pattani’s chief monk on Saturday to discuss and exchange information.

The chief monk had earlier called for the NRC to be dissolved after accusing it of siding with militants.