Thai PM orders security step-up in deep south

Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Monday instructed all security agencies to beef up safeguard in the country's southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat to prevent any possible insurgency during the upcoming New Year celebrations. The move came in the wake of the insurgent threats of a new wave of strife during the New Year holiday. The premier said the armed forces, police, interior ministry and the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center (SBPAC) were told to remain vigilant during the New Year holiday, but she did not want the public to be alarmed. More than 4,800 people have lost their lives over the past eight years of insurgency in the Muslim-predominant southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat. Most of the victims are local residents, teachers, security personnel and militants.