Insurgents kill, burn couple in restive Thai province

A couple were killed and then set alight in Thailand's southernmost province of Yala on Wednesday, which the police believed was perpetrated by insurgents.

The couple were driving past Bannang Satar district when militants started shooting at their pickup truck, Chartchai Chanasit, superintendent at the district police station, was quoted by Bangkok Post as saying.

After they were shot dead, their bodies were dragged from the truck and burned, Chartchai said, holding insurgents accountable for the killing.

Insurgent violence has plagued the country's Deep South, which refers to three southern border provinces -- Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and four districts of Songkhla, since January 2004.

The overall situation in the Deep South has turned for the better, with improvement made in the local economy and people's quality of life, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) reportedly said Wednesday.

The SBPAC has been working closely with other security agencies to promote peace and development in the region, according to SBPAC Secretary-General Phanu Uthairat.

The last six months have seen uplifted quality of life for local people, increased job opportunities and a stimulated economy, Phanu said, stressing that more achievements will be made.

Insurgent activities have diminished by 60 percent, due to better economic performance and enhanced living conditions of local residents, the secretary-general said, citing a recent survey. Endi