Thai Authority To Investigate Recent Civilian Killed By Security Forces

PATTANI, March 28 (Bernama) -- The relevant authority in southern Thailand on Friday has promised to investigate the killing of four civilians and the arrest of 22 others by security forces on March 25 amidst the negative feedback from the public over the incident. Pattani Province Governor, Wirapong Keawsuwang, said a transparent investigation will be conducted and he has promised to pay compensation to the families involved. Pattani police chief, Police Maj Gen Krisakorn Plithanyawong said a team of investigators will be assigned to investigate the incident fairly and those found guilty will be punished according to the law. In the 6.30pm incident, about 100 soldiers and police surrounded an uncompleted house in Kampung Tokcud, Mukim Piten, Tung-yang-deng district after an intelligence report was received that more than 20 men, suspected separatist group members were holding a meeting in the house before both parties were said to be involved in an exchange fire. The victims' family have expressed dissatisfaction on the incident, saying that the victims killed and arrested were not involved with the separatist group and the security forces had acted beyond their limit by shooting the innocent. Fathoni Islamic University Rector, Dr Ismail Lutfi Chapakia wants a committee consisting of different organisations to be set up to investigate the incident, adding that the two men killed in the shooting were the university's students. -- BERNAMA