Martial Law Declared in Narathiwat After Deadly Insurgent Attack

Martial law has been declared across Narathiwat province in southern Thailand following a deadly attack on a ranger checkpoint by a group of nine suspected insurgents. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night (July 22), resulted in the deaths of five rangers and injuries to six civilians, according to TV Channel 7. Maj. Gen. Yod-awut Phungphak, commander of the Narathiwat Task Force, signed an order declaring martial law across the province on the same night under the Martial Law Act B.E. 2457 (1914). The measure is intended to deploy military, police, and civilian forces to maintain peace and order, apprehend perpetrators, and safeguard public safety. Military and civilian forces have been ordered to take the following actions: - Military personnel responsible for operations in Narathiwat shall exercise powers granted under this law to establish checkpoints on public roads, search vehicles, and have the authority to search residences believed to be involved in the unrest. They also have the power to arrest and detain individuals suspected of involvement. - In exercising powers of search and arrest, rules for the use of force apply, permitting immediate use of weapons when encountering perpetrators of violence who pose a threat to military personnel, under the principles of necessity and proportionality. - Military personnel responsible for operations in Narathiwat province shall conduct tactical operations to maintain peace and security by utilizing powers of search under Section 9, prohibition under Section 11, arrest and detention under Section 15 bis of this law, as well as other powers under Section 8, as appropriate to the situation, in order to track down and arrest perpetrators, maintain order, and preserve peace in the area. - Civilian officials shall comply with the requirements of military officials regarding tactical operations, suppression, and maintaining peace and order in the area. - This order is effective from the date of signing until further notice. The declaration of martial law underscores the severity of the security situation in the region and highlights the authorities' priority in restoring order and apprehending those responsible for the attack.