Thai Enquirer
Emergency decree in deep South set for 84th extension after 300 security incidents in six months
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◌ Single Source
Thailand’s emergency decree in the southern border provinces is set for its 84th consecutive three-month extension after more than 300 security incidents were recorded over the past six months, prompting renewed criticism that the government’s long-running security strategy has failed to curb the insurgency.
Key facts
- The Committee on the Administration of Emergency Situations on Tuesday approved extending enforcement of the 2005 Emergency Decree in the remaining 18 districts of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat for another three months, from July 20 to Oct
- The emergency decree was first imposed on July 20, 2005, following a surge in separatist violence
- According to the Deep South Watch conflict database, the insurgency has resulted in 23,827 violent incidents since January 2004, leaving 22,709 casualties, including 7,830 deaths and 14,879 injuries
- The Internal Security Operations Command received 5.04 billion baht, accounting for 88% of the security budget
- The opposition also questioned the government’s approach during debate on the 2027 budget bill
- Romadon said the government’s national strategy had originally targeted ending the insurgency by 2027, but violence had instead increased and the integrated southern border development plan had been removed from the 2027 budget for the
Summary
The Committee on the Administration of Emergency Situations on Tuesday approved extending enforcement of the 2005 Emergency Decree in the remaining 18 districts of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat for another three months, from July 20 to Oct. 19, following a one-hour meeting at Government House chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow. The proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for final approval next week.
The emergency decree was first imposed on July 20, 2005, following a surge in separatist violence. It grants security authorities special powers, including detention without charge for up to 30 days, curfews, movement restrictions and bans on public gatherings in designated areas. Authorities have consistently argued that the law remains necessary to enable security forces to respond quickly to insurgent attacks and support law enforcement operations.