Tight security measures, including the deployment of a 1,000-strong riot force, have already been enforced 24 hours ahead of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva's visit to the deep South today.
Abhisit is scheduled to officially open Route 418, which makes the South more easily accessible.
"The security measures would focus on closely monitoring any suspicious movements, so as to pre-empt any insurgency plans," Lt-General Kasikorn Sirisri said in his capacity as the officer in charge of security.
Security will be beefed up to maximum at all points that the PM will visit or travel through, he said. In addition, the combined force of soldiers, policemen and civilians will intensify monitoring operations in the southernmost provinces as a precaution, he added.
Route 418, partly constructed by the Army, is a 29-kilometre-long, four-lane highway linking Yala and the other two southernmost provinces.
At present, the only road that runs in the South is the two-lane Route 410, which is prone to insurgent attacks.
With Abhisit expected to head for Narathiwat after the road-opening ceremony, an 800-strong provincial police force has already conducted a security sweep in all 13 districts as a precaution. The sweep included searches in 35 high-risk locations.
At one of these searches, authorities found and arrested Asamee Aliruwee in Tak Bai district. An arrest warrant had been issued for Asamee since September 2008 for suspected insurgency.
Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban said Abhisit's trip was meant to reaffirm the government's determination to ensure normalcy in the strife-torn region.
"People in the South should be able to live in peace just like those who live in Chiang Mai, Udon Thani and Bangkok," he said.
Pattani Chamber of Commerce chairman Sirichai Piticharoen said he expects the new highway will spur the local economy.
Transportation from Yala to Pattani and Narathiwat will be shortened from 42km to a mere 29km, facilitating the flow of goods and people, he said
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