Japanese diplomats visit deep South
The Nation February 28, 2015 1:00 am

BANGKOK: -- THE SOUTHERN Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) told Japanese diplomats yesterday that international support was necessary for restoring peace and development in Thailand's restive South.

Japanese charge d'affaires Osamu Izawa led a team of diplomats to visit the deep South and collect information from local authorities and residents yesterday.

Kwanchart Wongsuparanant, SBPAC's deputy secretary-general, told them that the situation in the predominantly Muslim region had improved, though sensitivities remained in many parts of the region.

Local residents are confident in the security owing to SBPAC's work and the government's efforts to maintain peace and order in the area, he said.

"The government has a clear policy to solve the problem peacefully via dialogue. It might be difficult initially, but we can build trust among concerned parties," Kwanchart told the diplomats.

Thai authorities have been struggling since early 2004 to contain violence in the deep South, where 6,300 people have been killed as peace talks with separatists have not yet shown tangible success.

The civilian-led SBPAC functions as a development unit in the provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat to help boost local living standards, Kwanchart said.

SBPAC is working to develop human resources, education and social welfare, notably for those affected by violence, he said.

"Education for the young is our priority. We have tried our best to seek scholarships for children to get higher education and training to develop their skills overseas," he said. Indonesia and Bahrain are among the countries that have offered help in terms of education, he added.

"I believe other countries and international organisations can help us achieve our development goal in the deep South," he said.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Japanese-diplomats-visit-deep-South-30255044.html

-- The Nation 2015-02-28

"I believe other countries and international organisations can help us achieve our development goal in the deep South,"

In other words, the NCPO is willing to let nations interfere in its internal affairs to solve what is specifically a Thai-caused problem. Is the NCPO looking for an excuse for not meeting its goal of peace with the insurgents by end of 2015? In other words, if other countries fail to help, then the Junta's hands are tied. It seems the NCPO won't hold itself accountable if it fails on its promises. It will always be someone else''s responsibility. But when it comes to taking credit, no one can beat out the NCPO.

Edited March 1, 201511 yr by Srikcir