Concern over Sadao's link with far South

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SOUTH CRISIS
Concern over Sadao's link with far South
THE NATION



Businessmen upset at BRN including district in statement about ceasefire

SADAO: -- Concern is growing among the business sector in the South about a Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) statement that includes Sadao district in Songkhla in a temporary ceasefire for the unrest-plagued region. The statement is a threat to Sadao's vibrant economy, the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce said.

Democrat Party deputy leader Thaworn Senneam yesterday urged Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra as well as National Security Council secretary-general Lt-General Paradorn Pattanatabutr to officially deny that Sadao is a part of the violence-ravaged zone. "From 2004 until now, Sadao has never seen any unrest," the Democrat said.

Somporn Siriporananon, who chairs the Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, said the recent BRN statement had already had some psychological effects.

"The private sector, in particular investors, is worried. If Sadao becomes a part of the unrest zone, the business framework and guidelines may have to change," he said.

Somporn said he therefore supported the call for the government to announce firmly that Sadao is by no means part of the zone of unrest. "Without a clear stance from the authorities, problems will arise," he warned.

According to Thai authorities, the unrest only affects Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and four districts in Songkhla - Chana, Thepha, Na Thawi and Saba Yoi.

BRN, which has had several rounds of talks with Thai officials, announced a ceasefire plan for Ramadan. While the announcement was welcomed, several figures were concerned about its inclusion of Sadao.

According to Thaworn, Sadao attracts about 2 million tourists each year. Imports and exports via this border town are in the tune of about Bt500 billion. "I ask why Thai authorities have kept silent for many days - the BRN statement came out last Friday," Thaworn said.

Paradorn yesterday tried to play down concerns about the inclusion of Sadao, explaining that a number of Thais would return from Malaysia to Sadao during the Ramadan - that was why the BRN included Sadao in the ceasefire plan. "BRN wants peace for Sadao too," he said.

Deputy PM Pracha Promnog, who oversees security affairs, said he would need more time to discuss the matter with relevant officials before deciding whether the government should issue a letter of protest over BRN's inclusion of Sadao.

With the start of Ramadan, unrest in the South looks to have subsided.

"During the first six days of the Ramadan, only one violent incident erupted and the two victims sustained minor injuries. The situation was much better than the same period in recent years," Pracha said.

However, Yala saw three shootings on Monday and yesterday. Two victims died and the other sustained injuries. "We are investigating these cases," Yala police chief Maj-General Phira Boonliang said.


-- The Nation 2013-07-17

[thhMan]

I really hope that this can get settled someday... Thailand has enough crap to deal with and the quicker they start pro-actively solving each issue by its competent parliamentary leader, then hopefully Thailand can become a better place...

[drdoom6996]

I really hope that this can get settled someday... Thailand has enough crap to deal with and the quicker they start pro-actively solving each issue by its competent parliamentary leader, then hopefully Thailand can become a better place...

Yep, about the time Palestine and Israel make peace.

[tomross46]

One of the passages in Mao's little Red book, goes something like this " time means nothing, if you keep the pressure up you will win". This go with all civil actions, the American Revolution against the British monarchy. Finally it got to expensive for the to maintain a war in the new colonies and Europe, so give those terrorist what they want. As soon as you give a little, they will apply more pressure. Something like a python. The insurgents in the south and the UDD are using this tactic, apply pressure until it hurts and they get a little, than apply more pressure.

One portion of the UDD wants a country controlled by the people, the other portion wants to set up a dictatorship controlled by one man.

[TomTao]

I really hope that this can get settled someday... Thailand has enough crap to deal with and the quicker they start pro-actively solving each issue by its competent parliamentary leader, then hopefully Thailand can become a better place...

Yep, about the time Palestine and Israel make peace. 

What has what is happening in Israel and Palestine got to do with what is happening in the south of Thailand?

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