Authorities take special precautions in Thai far South on Tak Bai anniversary

NARATHIWAT, October 25 (TNA) - Police, soldiers and volunteers in the violence-plagued Thai far South are seriously operating checkpoints on all roads leading to the heart of Tak Bai district in Narathiwat province to take special precautions on the 8th anniversary of a fatal crackdown in Tak Bai on October 25, 2004. Groups of soldiers are also deployed 100 meters apart from one another in local communities; while several shops are closed today for safety concerns. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat told reporters after attending a meeting of the Defence Council today that the council discussed policies with top-brass military officers, emphasizing on constructive work and increased efficiency of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the Defence Ministry. (TNA)