Thai Army chief sees opposition to southern peace negotiation

[webfact]

Army chief sees opposition to southern peace negotiation
By Digital Content



BANGKOK, Dec 2 -- Deputy Defence Minister and Army chief Udomdej Sitabutr pointed out that there is less violence now in Thailand's southern border provinces but some insurgent groups are attempting to create incidents to oppose southern peace negotiations.

He said that 4th Army Region Commander Prakan Cholayuth was intensifying security measures to put the regional under closer control.

"I do not think that local opposition is a big issue," Gen Udomdej said, "I believe that there are attempts to show off their [insurgent] potential."

Asked if violence would increase as Thailand prepares for further southern peace negotiations, Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents usually followed a turning point in the restoration of peace in the south, but actually the overall situation greatly improved in all dimensions in October compared with the same period last year.

"Preparation for peace negotiations will not take a long time but some internal operations must be adjusted to ensure progress. We are also waiting for policies from the prime minister," Gen Udomdej said.

He also said that the far South would enjoy better development as government organizations implement development projects that suit local contexts and demands.

Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents have decreased compared with the same period of last year.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Malaysia yesterday.

They agreed to resume southern peace negotiations with Malaysia as facilitator. Gen Prayut said that peace negotiations would take time and if insurgent movements wanted to solve problems soon, they should enter into negotiations with the government. (MCOT online news)


-- TNA 2014-12-02

[Commerce]

Internal disagreements already?

Never would have thought.

[Chris Lawrence]

They have the high point in numbers, as it’s about 15 military/police to 1 activist.

This year they killed a 14 year old. The people that did it planted a gun on the dead lad. It was said they retaliated to the young lad and killed him as he was also an 'activist'. He wasn't.

In the US the local community has just rioted over the killing of one of their young lad'. The problem that community is up in arms against is the treatment of minorities.

I can't see much difference in the two senseless murders? So is what is being explained by the military the actual problem in the area?

"Preparation for peace negotiations will not take a long time but some internal operations must be adjusted to ensure progress. We are also waiting for policies from the prime minister," Gen Udomdej said.

So what are the internal operations that need to be adjusted? Good media coverage may be of assistance in a case like this.

[fobuff]

very perspective fellow no wonder he is a lt-gen

[chooka]

So Prayut is no longer head of the Army and things are improving, what was he doing down south all these years. Junta propaganda rubbish.