Associated Press

Bangkok, July 16:

Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra today defended a decree giving him sweeping emergency powers to combat a violent insurgency in the country’s Muslim-dominated south, comparing the situation to the United States where some civil liberties were curtailed after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The decree was issued after a daring raid Thursday night by Islamic insurgents on the capital of Yala province, in which they destroyed electrical transformers to black out the city, then caused chaos by firing automatic weapons and setting off bombs. Two policemen were killed and 22 other people were injured. “The security agencies were well aware that a major attack was going to happen in Yala province on Thursday night, but they could not do anything to stop it because they said they have no power under the law. That was a very idiotic problem,” Thaksin said in his weekly radio address. “Whenever or wherever a society or community is not safe, freedoms and personal rights ... must face some limitations in order to have all people living together in peace,” he said, comparing Thailand’s situation to that of the United States after the September 11 attacks. The decree must be signed by King Bhumibol Adulyadej to take effect, and such approval is normally a formality. “The government will exercise only the powers needed for public safety, and will minimize limitations of personal rights and freedoms,” Thaksin said defending the decree.

Three shot dead

NARATHIWAT: Three Muslims were shot dead in separate attacks by suspected Islamic militants in restive southern Thailand, authorities said on Saturday. The three were identified as Kantrai Jahmi, Mama Arware and Dorloh Yeereng. — AFP