Pattani — Anti-government messages opposing efforts to restart peace talks between the government and southern insurgent groups were spray-painted on roads in Pattani province yesterday.
Villagers alerted officers at Khok Pho and Nong Chik police stations to the vandalism on Saturday morning.
The message written in Thai read, “What do we get from negotiating with the army?” and was sprayed on several main roads in Khok Pho and Nong Chik districts.
Police said the messages were discovered in six locations of tambons Na Ket and Kuan Noree in Khok Pho district while a similar message was found in tambon Pulo Puyo in Nong Chik district.
However, no violent incidents were reported.
Earlier reports have suggested peace talks between the government and separatist groups, facilitated by Malaysia, could resume by the end of the year.
Authorities tightened security at checkpoints set up along both the main and feeder roads throughout Pattani.
Police believe the separatists responsible for the vandalism were attacking any plan to resume the peace talks.
A security source said the incident reflected resistance to accept government rule over those areas by separatists in southern provinces, according to leaders of insurgent groups in Pattani.