I'm really thrilled that the troubles in the South will soon be over following the latest government plan. I am most encouraged that such long, drawn-out actions such as Dr. Anand's lengthy discussions or more violence-provoking and repressive actions such as the PM's decree can be all avoided, simply and inexpensively:

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is dishing out free cable television in its restive Muslim south in the hope that sports coverage such as English Premiership soccer will calm tensions in a region plagued by violence.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana told reporters on Tuesday an initial batch of 500 televisions would soon be installed at village tea shops so those who could not afford cable TV at home could all watch their favourite sports together. "Televisions and sports will help liven up the region," said Kongsak, the fourth interior minister in less than two years to be faced with ending the unrest in which more than 800 people have been killed since January, 2004.

"Most children love watching sports on TV, but they can't afford that at home. So we are giving them what they love, hoping it can help solve the problem," said Kongsak, himself an avid golfer and a soccer player.

Buddhist Thailand has tried a range of measures to curb the violence in its three southernmost, Muslim-majority provinces, including lavish promises of development aid, martial law, and an airdrop of millions of paper birds.

None of them appear to have had any effect.

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I would add that I'm a bit disappointed it took this long to come up with such a workable plan, but I do understand that brillance can sometimes take time.

I'm really thrilled that the troubles in the South will soon be over following the latest government plan. I am most encouraged that such long, drawn-out actions such as Dr. Anand's lengthy discussions or more violence-provoking and repressive actions such as the PM's decree can be all avoided, simply and inexpensively:

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailand is dishing out free cable television in its restive Muslim south in the hope that sports coverage such as English Premiership soccer will calm tensions in a region plagued by violence.

Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana told reporters on Tuesday an initial batch of 500 televisions would soon be installed at village tea shops so those who could not afford cable TV at home could all watch their favourite sports together. "Televisions and sports will help liven up the region," said Kongsak, the fourth interior minister in less than two years to be faced with ending the unrest in which more than 800 people have been killed since January, 2004.

"Most children love watching sports on TV, but they can't afford that at home. So we are giving them what they love, hoping it can help solve the problem," said Kongsak, himself an avid golfer and a soccer player.

Buddhist Thailand has tried a range of measures to curb the violence in its three southernmost, Muslim-majority provinces, including lavish promises of development aid, martial law, and an airdrop of millions of paper birds.

None of them appear to have had any effect.

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I would add that I'm a bit disappointed it took this long to come up with such a workable plan, but I do understand that brillance can sometimes take time.

While they're at it ,why don't they show American Baseball and Canadian Hockey ....

Don't forget NFL Football and NASCAR too.

Sure hit with the folks...

Seems like a nice gesture. Do you think they'll get plasma screens or LCD?

Seems like a nice gesture.  Do you think they'll get plasma screens or LCD?

Update

In the ever-changing world of politics, a retraction. The PM seems to do this with such frequency, it's amazing. It's throw out an idea...see how the public & media reacts...then, if it's positive, harp on it endlessly and claim as much credit as possible, or if it's negative, back-track and say someone/something else is responsible, even if it's a member of his own cabinet. The most amazing thing is that people don't seem to see through these often-repeated tactics:

PM: Government not involved in free-TV plan

Published on Aug 17 , 2005

Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday rebutted a statement by the Interior Ministry that the plan to install free cable television in the deep South was a government initiative.

Thaksin said the initiative came from the private sector in an effort to provide another educational outlet for young people in the restive South. The business sector would be entirely responsible for the cost of the project, he said.

Earlier this week, Interior Minister ACM Kongsak Wantana proposed the plan to give away 500 to 1,000 televisions to people in the South in the hope that watching English Premier League football games would reduce the violence in the South.

Several local groups remained sceptical about the effectiveness of the plan.

Suwat Jamjuree, president of the Faleeheen Pattani media group, said allowing only a sports channel would not be beneficial.

"Officials should allow programmes that teach the correct version of Islam as well as documentaries that depict life in the Muslim world and cultural diversity," said Suwat.

Ismael Haji-Husen Nawawee, a member of the Yala Muslim Businessmen Club, said the free televisions should broadcast programmes that address the needs of locals. Monitoring of gambling and other vices must also be implemented, Ismael said.

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Interior Minister Kongsak Wantana, the fourth interior minister in less than two years

Looks like #5 might be chosing the ministry's new office decor soon....