 On 14 January 1966, a spokesman representing the Thai Patriotic Front called for the start of a "people's war" in Thailand.The statement marked an escalation of violence in the conflict, and in early April 1966 rebels killed 16 Thai soldiers and wounded 13 others during clashes in Chiang Rai Province.A total of 45 security personnel and 65 civilians were killed by insurgent attacks during the first half of 1966.