Government focuses on helping the people in the restive Deep South

PATTANI, 26 November 2014 (NNT) – The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) said the government would be paying special attention to the people’s needs when it comes to maintaining peace in the Deep South.

According to ISOC 4th Region Spokesperson Colonel Pramote Phrom-in, Deputy Prime Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan has presented a guideline during his visit to the restive south earlier this week with Army Chief Udomdej Sitabutr.

The Deputy Prime Minister said all the units working in the 3 southernmost provinces should put the people first by assuring their safety, quality of life, and well-being are met as part of the government’s efforts to cater to the needs of people.

Authorities at the provincial level have been instructed to follow the same policy. The ISOC will act as a coordinator for local administration offices, should they need further assistance. Progress for all the projects, including the royal ones and the Thung Yang Dang model, are expected to be reported.

The ISOC will also consider providing social benefits to security personnel. Peace talks would begin by raising understanding among local residents, the media, and government officials as a way out of the conflicts.


-- NNT 2014-11-26

General Prem had a very good record of pacification of the CT in Issan in the 60's and 70's. These same processes could be used in the south. General Chavalit also helped in the pacification process in the south before, but after the elections in 2001 the policies of the government became very oppressive.

Like biting the hand that feeds you?

This is not news. This has been going on since the beginning of time. The deap south comes first - the northeast last. This is business as usual.

(fill in) talks would begin by raising understanding.

Gen. Prayuth's standard "They just don't understand" solution to any Junta obstacle or criticism. I doubt lessons on Thai culture, morales and traditional values will give Muslim Thais incentive to discontinue their resistence to Buddhist rule..

What is understood by the Southerns is that the government is controlled by the military and any peace negotiations will be directed by the military. Nothing changes.