Train services in Thai deep South resumed

BANGKOK, September 15 (TNA) - Train services in the violence-plagued Thai far South have been resumed, after a temporary suspension since last Friday due to a damaged rail track caused by an attack by suspected insurgents. Railway officials said that the first southern passenger train was resumed at 6:30am on Monday, running from Sungai Kolok station in the southernmost Narathiwat Province to Surat Thani Province amid tight security provided by police and volunteers throughout the route. Meanwhile, New Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan told journalists before attending a meeting that he has ordered agencies under the permanent secretary for defence office to tighten national security affairs. General Prawit revealed that he will call a meeting with security-related government agencies within the next couple of days, with discussions to be focused on how the concerned agencies could cooperate in their work and reduce crime. General Prawit stressed that positive result must be seen within the next two-three months when people should have more confidence. Touching on violence in the troubled Thai deep South, the deputy prime minister and defence minister stated that the interim government is discussing on details of upcoming peace talks with representatives of insurgents in the southern Thai border region. According to the deputy prime minister and defence minister, Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha has given a policy on building peace in every Thai area. (TNA)