Thailand to Prosecute Former Security Personnel Over 2004 Protest Crackdown Deaths

Thailand plans to prosecute eight former security officials over their involvement in a 2004 crackdown where 78 protesters died from suffocation or crushing in army trucks. The move comes just before the case's statute of limitations expires on Oct. 25. The incident occurred in Tak Bai, Narathiwat, amid a separatist insurgency.

Thailand will prosecute eight ex-security personnel over their roles in a deadly 2004 crackdown, where 78 protesters died from suffocation or crushing in army trucks, according to the attorney-general's office.

The announcement precedes the statute of limitations expiry on Oct. 25 and follows a complaint by victims' families against seven former senior officials, accepted by a court last month. Only one individual has been named in both cases.

The 2004 Tak Bai incident in Narathiwat saw international condemnation and happened during martial law. The crackdown, which occurred under former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, was part of a separatist insurgency that has since claimed over 7,600 lives.

(With inputs from agencies.)