Camera fires linked to business row

Camera fires linked to business row

Govt rules out unrest as cause of CCTV attack

The torching of nearly 80 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in seven districts of Yala on Monday arose from a business conflict rather than the southern unrest, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said yesterday.

Mr Chalerm, who heads a government centre attempting to solve problems in the deep South, cited a report from local authorities.

"I received a report that it was the work of those who lost bids to install CCTVs. They hired a group of teenagers [to set fire to the cameras].

"I have ordered the Yala governor to look for the culprits," he said.

The authorities said 76 CCTV cameras in Bannang Sata, Raman, Krong Pinang, Muang, Yaha, Kabang and Than To districts were set on fire, along with a mobile phone tower and telephone booth in Bannang Sata.

Pol Maj Gen Peera Boonleang, the Yala police chief, predicted the torchings were the precursor of more southern violence and that insurgents were trying to stop authorities detecting their movements.

Mr Chalerm said he had ordered police to remain on high alert in the three southern border provinces ahead of Teacher's Day today.

Teachers are often the targets of insurgent attacks.

Mr Chalerm said he hopes to meet former Malaysian prime minister Mahathir Mohamad to seek his cooperation in solving the unrest.

Security agencies have been told to work together in deciding where to install CCTV cameras to make sure they cannot be damaged, Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra said after the cabinet meeting yesterday.

Replacement cameras should not be installed at the same spots, as they would only be destroyed again, she said.

National Security Council chief Paradorn Pattanathabutr said insurgents routinely resorted to torching security cameras.

The attacks on Monday were carried out quickly, with the arsonists moving from spot to spot. Security forces were not quick enough to stop them, he said.

The NSC chief agreed the torching could have been motivated by a business conflict.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (1)