Violence in the far South in fiscal 2016 was the lowest since the insurgency resurfaced in 2004, according to the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc).
The Isoc reported that there were 301 violent incidents in fiscal 2016 ending last month, down from 328 in the previous fiscal year.
The number was the lowest since 2004 and showed that safety and cooperation from local residents of the three border provinces were improving gradually, Isoc spokesman Peerawat Saengthong said on Friday.
The current phase of the insurgency dates back to an attack by separatist elements on the 4th Development Battalion in Cho Airong district of Narathiwat on Jan 4, 2004, when the military base lost 413 guns.
In fiscal 2004, there were 1,607 violent incidents in the region. They peaked at 1,669 in 2007 and dropped to 769 incidents in the following year.
The independent monitoring group Deep South Watch has been compiling statistics on the conflict since June 2004. During that time it has documented 15,123 violent incidents, resulting in 6,480 deaths and 11,753 injuries.
Col Peerawat said the Isoc would adhere to its established security strategies in the far South. They focused on creating a safe environment for peace talks, integrating intelligence, as well as reducing and eliminating conditions leading to violence. Local development and education and promotion of understanding and comprehensive participation were also important, he said.
