Emergency decree in Thai far South extended for another 90 days

BANGKOK, June 5 (TNA) - Thai authorities have resolved to further extend the emergency decree imposed in insurgency-prone areas in the Thai far South for another 90 days, from June 20-September 19, 2013. National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanathabutr told journalists of the resolution on Wednesday, after a meeting of the government's committee on the administration of the emergency situation, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung. According to the NSC chief, the meeting also agreed that five districts in the Thai deep South be targeted for the imposition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), instead of the tougher the emergency decree, due to the improved situation in the areas, including Pattani's Maikan district, Narathiwat's Wang and Sukirin districts and Yala’s Betong and Kabang districts. The NSC chief said that the issue will be proposed before the Thai Cabinet for its further consideration and a decision next week. (TNA)