NARATHIWAT, Thailand – Tighter security measures are in effect across the Deep South province of Narathiwat on Wednesday (March 13th) for the 53rd anniversary of the founding of the insurgency group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), AFP reported.

Narathiwat police commander Wichai Kasemwong said police are working with the army and local administrative officials and are keeping a close watch on at-risk areas. They have also set up checkpoints to search for suspicious people and vehicles around the clock.

According to The Bangkok Post, Colonel Pramote Prom-in, spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command's front office in the Deep South, the army could not ignore the potential for violence, although it was only a symbolic day for the BRN.

The BRN recently agreed to initiate peace talks with the government scheduled to begin March 28th in Malaysia.