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Published on January 9, 2008

The commander has sought to check on the background of all intelligence officers and to re-classify its information system, a military source close to the matter said yesterday.

Authorities detained a number of intelligence officers including an Army lieutenant colonel and seven police officers after they were alleged to have revealed secrets to militants behind the violence in the South.

Lt Colonel Adul Alatae, the highest ranking suspect held in the affair, has rejected all allegations of betrayal.

Adul said he did know how secret information about a military operation was found on a computer that belonged to a captured militant, according to Col Acra Thiproch, the Internal Security Operation Command's information department chief.

"We need to handle this case with care as all officers involved worked with so many people. We don't want to put the entire intelligence system in jeopardy," he said. "All suspects will be given a fair hearing."

Authorities are struggling to curb violence in the South, where more than 2,700 people have been killed over the past four years.

Yesterday, two marines were injured by an explosion in Pattani's Sai Buri district. The two were part of a group of 12 marines providing security to teachers in the area.

Chief Petty Officer First Class Wisit Nuritmon and Seaman Ahama Pradu were wounded when a bomb explod?ed as they inspected a roadside teashop.

A bomb had been placed under a marble bench in front of the shop, sources said.

The Nation