Decree Must Be Revoked, Southern Muslims Say

[Jai Dee]

ACM Kongsak: NRC's proposals are good for solving violence in the Deep South

The Interior Minister, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Wanthana (คงศักดิ์ วันทนา), admitted that the proposal to set the local Malay language as the official language in the southern provinces is a good solution for solving the regional violence.

He said that the matter will be considered again. However, he views that Thai language should still be the national language. He said that the government must analyze again on whether it should set the local Malay language as the second language of Thailand. He said that the pros and cons of this issue should be considered.

He added that the proposals of the National Reconciliation Commission (NRC) are good solutions, but the government cannot follow all of them due to legal difficulties.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 07 June 2006

[Jai Dee]

Cash rewards for people able to injure or kill southern militants, need thorough consideration

Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Chidchai Wannasathit (ชิดชัย วรรณสถิตย์) needs time to thoroughly consider a suggestion that cash rewards be given to people who fight with militants staging violence in the deep south.

Muslim intellectuals have voiced opposition to the suggested payment of 50,000 baht to anyone who could injure militants and 100,000 baht in case the militants died.

Pol. Gen. Chidchai said the government would not let people use violence against each other and also would not support summary execution.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 08 June 2006