Thailand stays vigilant about IS entering southern region

Police investigate the scene of a bomb attack in Pattini, southern region of Thailand. (Photo: EPA/VNA)

Bangkok (VNA) – Authorities of Thailand were on alert as it was possible that militants of the self-claimed Islamic State (IS) have entered the country’s southern region.

Earlier, Malaysian authorities wiped out a group of IS in Kelantan state and arrested six suspects, who admitted their involvement in smuggling fire arms from southern Thailand in more than one year to prepare for attacks in Malaysia and other countries.

Muhammad Muzafa, a member of the group, was believed to have fled to southern Thailand with many weapons.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha affirmed that local authorities are investigating the information and Thailand will extradite the suspect back to Malaysia and join the interrogation if he is caught. The official also confirmed there is no Thai citizen engaging in the case.

Piyawat Nakwanit, commander of the Fourth Army Region said that IS has no links to the region’s instability.

Southern Thailand may be the place easily infiltrated by IS, since the group is likely to come to Southeast Asia to join with militants in Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. - VNA