Thailand Revives Agency To Tackle Muslim Insurgency

[Jai Dee]

Thailand revives agency to tackle Muslim insurgency

BANGKOK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Thailand's post-coup government agreed on Tuesday to revive a multi-agency body credited with keeping the peace in the now rebellious far south but dissolved by deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The cabinet approved in principle reviving the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre and told the ministers of justice, defence and interior to work out the details, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont told reporters.

"The SBPAC should be up and running by early next month and will allow more participation of the people and give fairness and justice," Surayud said.

He gave no details of how the agency would be structured after the Army and the National Security Council suggested last week it should be revived four years after Thaksin disbanded it.

The SBPAC, which worked on rural development projects and investigated complaints of injustice and corruption, was liked by the Muslim Malay speakers of the region, an Islamic sultanate until Bangkok annexed it a century ago.

Thaksin said the body was no longer necessary to deal with "petty thugs" and disbanded it. In January 2004, the latest rebellion erupted against rule by predominantly Buddhist Thailand.

Even when Thaksin, now in self-exile in London, disbanded the body which included local representatives and settled disputes, analysts said he had made a serious mistake.

The government had cut its link with local people who trusted it, they said, but Thaksin pursued a policy based largely on force and put his own people in charge.

Since the militancy erupted again following a period of calm after a previous insurgency faded away in the early 1980s, more than 1,700 people have been killed in daily drive-by shootings and bomb attacks.

Analysts said the new SBPAC would have to be modernised to deal with an insurgency radically different from the jungle-based guerrilla rebellion of the 1970s and 1980s.

Now, the militants, who have never claimed responsibility for acts of violence in which civilians and civil servants are also targets along with security forces or set out their aims in public, are based in villages.

"I don't think the SBPAC will stop the daily shooting and bombing attacks immediately," said Chidchanok Rahimmula of the Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani, one of the three provinces hit by the violence.

"But at least the agency that the people used to trust is brought back and the government will have to utilise that trust by giving justice to win their hearts and minds," she said.

Source: Reuters - 24 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Prem supports revival of two southern agencies dissolved by Thaksin

Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda Tuesday voiced support for the government's plan to revive two agencies in charge of tacking southern violence, which were dissolved by the Thksin government.

Prem said the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre and the joint Civilian-Police-Military Command 43 were two agencies, which were working well in solving the southern problem.

The dissolution of the two agencies was blamed for the resurging of violence in the deep South.

Prem said if the government adapts the two agencies to fit with the current situation, they should be able to tackle the problem.

Source: The Nation - 24 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Royal Thai Navy prepares stricter measures to deal with southern insurgents

The 2nd Area and the 4th Area of the Royal Thai Navy are raising the measures to prevent and solve the unrest situation in the three southernmost provinces of Thailand.

Vice Admiral Chatchawarn Amrapan, the Commander of the 2nd Area Royal Thai Navy, presided over the opening of the center to assist the flood victims at the 2nd Area Royal Thai Navy Headquarters in Muang District of Songkhla Province. He had a discussion with Vice Admiral Wirote Buacharoon, the 4th Area Royal Thai Navy Commander, over the measures to tackle the southern unrest.

He said garbage cans, ice buckets, paint buckets and other similar items should not be placed along the roadsides because the insurgents usually hid their explosives inside those containers. Furthermore, he has suggested that monks should receive their food offerings in certain designated areas for their own safety, and vehicles will then pick up the monks and transport them to their respective temples. He has asked the general public to help keep a close eye on their surroundings so they can promptly inform the officials if they witness anything peculiar.

Vice Admiral Chatchawarn added that that the army has increased the preventive measures along the territorial waters along the southern coastal provinces of Pattani and Narathiwat, to prevent insurgents from creating any unrest situation by the sea.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thailand revives mediation body as three more killed in unrest

The government agreed Tuesday to revive a key mediation body in its volatile southern provinces, as three Muslims were killed in the latest wave of attacks.

One was shot in front of a mosque in Yala province early Tuesday as Thai Muslims began celebrating Eid al-Fitr to mark the end of fasting for the holy month of Ramadan.

Two others, including an iman or religious leader, were shot late Monday in neighboring Pattani province, police said.

Hoping to curb the unrest, which has left more than 1,500 dead, Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the government had agreed to restore an important mediation body, the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center.

The center, a forum that had allowed government officials and security forces to iron out their differences, was credited with bringing down the number of violent incidents in Thailand's troubled south.

"Actual operations will probably begin next month," he said.

"People must change for the better and cooperate more with government. The center will focus on providing justice for everyone," Surayud told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

General Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who led last month's coup and who remains the government's final authority, had announced last week that the center would be restored.

The announcement marked the latest effort by the new military government to undo the heavy-handed policies of deposed former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, which many critics said made the unrest worse.

Thaksin had dismantled the center shortly after taking office in 2001, believing the threat of violence had passed.

Source: The Nation - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Prem affirms the new government can solve southern unrest

The Privy Council President and Statesman, Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda, strongly believes that the government will be able to solve the southern unrest. He said the government has already devised an alternative plan to end the troublesome conflicts in this region.

Gen. Prem indicated that he does not have a direct responsibility over the problems, but he is geared up to cooperate with all involved parties to help heal the situation.

Moreover, he mentioned about the government's plan to negotiate with the insurgent ringleaders in the deep South.

He said if the discussion really helps solve the national problems, then he would comply with the plan.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior minister admited restoring of SBPAC in demand of South religious leaders

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารี วงศ์อารยะ) revealed that the restoration of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) is in line with the southern religious leaders' demands, and center is currently being restructured so it can truly solve the unrest in this region. Many people believe that the center will eventually solve the unrest in this region.

Mr. Aree believes that the SBPAC can end the southern unrest once it has been revived, and the local southern residents are more able to work with the center. The SBPAC is now being restructured and its operational framework is being fine-tuned. The previous framework is also being appropriately used in order for the problems to be solved successfully.

The Interior Minister admitted that he could not mention the candidate who will be appointed as the SBPAC Director or whether that person has to work in the Ministry of Interior since everything is up to the Cabinet and relevant ministries' opinions.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Government to use cultural of peace policy in the South

The Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Khunying Thipawadi Meksawan (คุณหญิงทิพาวดี เมฆสวรรค์), said the government will put an emphasis on the "cultural of peace" policy to promote reconciliation.

Khunying Thipawadi said the government will apply the "cultural of peace" policy by emphasizing youths in the South to learn together regardless of their religious backgrounds. She said this policy will foster better attitudes between people.

The Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office said a training seminar will also be organized to adjust the attitudes of the officials who are working in the three southern border provinces.

Today, Khunying Thipawadi today led a group of monks such as Phra Navornsuttiwong (พระบวรสุทธิวงศ์) and Phra Krusangkasitthikorn (พระครูสังฆสิทธิกร) to visit the monks and soliders who were wounded from the recent bomb blast in Narathiwat Province at Songklanakarin Hospital in Songkla province.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister says restructuring of SBPAC is almost finished

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wong-araya, indicated that the restructuring of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) is nearly done. He said the new Permanent Secretary for Interior will be appointed, and the person will be stationed in the southernmost provinces of Thailand.

Mr. Aree said the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Defence are still discussing the restructuring process of the SBPAC. He said this restructuring may enable the army to help solve the southern unrest, while the Interior officials will administer other developmental issues. He said it might be necessary to promote a Deputy Permanent Secretary for Interior to be the SBPAC Director, and the appointed person will be dispatched to the deep South.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pongpayom Wasaputti, the Permanent Secretary for Interior, said the restructuring of the SBPAC is nearly complete, but the Ministry of Interior will have a discussion on the SBPAC Director’s post again in the future.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 25 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Minister revealed new SBPAC structure helps more rapid operation

Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ) said the organizational structure of the new Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) will be different from the previous one because it is adjusted according to the regional situation. However, the strengths of the previous structure would be retained. The Council for National Security (CNS) is currently considering its restructuring progress at the moment.

The SBPAC is an organization in charge of development and management of the southern region promptly and resolutely. The center can perform more efficiently as it does not have to wait for the approval from the central administration.

The Interior Minister also denied the news that Nonthaburi Governor Pranai Suwannarat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัตน์) will take charge of the SBPAC Director. He also turned down the news that the Prime Minister's Advisor has proposed to establish the Three Southern Border Provinces Council.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM urges SBPAC to quickly clear up all unrest cases

Prime Minsiter Surayud Chulanont has urged the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) to rapidly clear up all cases related to the restive south.

Defence Minister Boonrawd Somtat (บุญรอด สมทัศน์) said that the premier has assigned the first task to SBPAC, where its operation will kick off in November, to clear all the unresolved cases of violence.

In response to the issue of setting up military forces to provide more security in the Deep South, Gen Boonrawd said people recruited will come from local residents.

As for working policies under the Ministry of Defence, Gen Boonrawd assured that they will go in line with the Government's policies.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 26 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM has not received the name list of candidates for SBPAC Director's post

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said the name list of the candidates for the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Director’s post has not been proposed, but the work direction will encourage more contribution for the private sector.

Gen. Surayud said he has not received the name list of the candidates for the SBPAC Director’s post from Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya yet. However, he said the southern local people will be able to participate more in the operation of the SBPAC, in order to justify the process of equity. The Prime Minister also said the Ministry of Justice is currently working on the 58 cases relating to the infamous Tak Bai incident.

Concerning former premier Thaksin Shinawatra’s request to meet with the current Prime Minister while he will attend the Asean-China Summit on October 30th and 31st, Gen. Surayud said he has not been coordinated on this matter.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Minister of Interior admit the candidates for SBPAC director are indecisive

The Interior Minister, Mr. Aree Wong-araya (อารีย์ วงศ์อารยะ), has admitted that the candidate for the Director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) is still hesitating whether or not he will assume this position because he must handle great pressures over the situations in the restive South.

After Mr. Aree has appointed the SBPAC Director, he will travel to the South to start solving the unrest situations. Over these two months, the authority will be transferred from the Southern Border Provinces Peace-Building Command (SBPPC) to the SBPAC, and the SBPPC will be abolished consequently. At the same time, the government has the power to decide whether the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations and the martial law will be abrogated.

Mr. Pranai Suwanrat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัฐ), the Nonthaburi Governor, one of the candidates for the SBPAC Director’s post, said as a government officer, he has no comment on the appointment but he will do everything he can to serve the nation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

NLA to focus on corruption and problems in the deep South

A special committee responsible in drafting the parliamentary procedures of the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) held a first round meeting today to lay out the framework, emphasizing on corruption suppression and solutions to end the southern unrest.

The committee spokesman, Mr. Praphan Khunmee (ประพันธ์ คูณมี), said the meeting was held to select the chairperson, vice chairperson and spokesperson of his committee. Following the meeting, Gen. Jaran Kullavanich (จรัล กุลละวณิชย์) has been chosen as the committee chairman, while Gen. Panthep Phuwanatnurak (ปานเทพ ภูวนารถนุรักษ์) and Mr. Sungkit Piriyarangsan (สังศิต พิริยะรังสรรค์) have been selected as the vice chairmen. In addition, Mr. Praphan is the committee spokesman. Moreover, the committee has also set up a three-man working group consisted of Mr. Vallop Tungkananurak (วัลลภ ตังคณานุรักษ์), Mr. Aukkapol Sorasuchat (อรรคพล สรสุชาติ) and Mr. Praphan, and they will be responsible in with examining meeting regulations.

However, since all the tasks must be accomplished within November 10th, the committee will comply with all the regulations of the NLA meeting in 1991, as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate. This will help reduce the amount of time to draft a new meeting rule.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Sonthi backs the end of emergency law

Chairman of National Security Council (NSC) Sonthi Boonyaratglin today said that he supported the idea of ending the emergency law in the Muslim-majority south.

"Based on information from both the interior ministry and the military, I think the emergency rule is not necessary any more," said Sonthi.

The idea of ending the law came after the once defunct Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) will be revived on November 1. This civilian-led agency was believed to have been a crucial element in containing the violence in the deep south before former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra dissolved it soon after he came into the power in 2001.

However, Sonthi maintained that military levels in the south would remain the same even after the centre reopens.

"All the troops deployed in the area will still be kept in place," said Sonthi.

Source: The Nation - 30 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Former Songkhla Governor denied of being approach to be SBPAC director

Former Songkhla Governor and Local Administration Promotion Department Director-General Somporn Chaibangyang (สมพร ใช้บางยาง) denied that he was approached by Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya and Public Works Department Director-General Thirawat Kullawanit (ฐิรวัฒน์ กุลละวณิชย์) to become the Director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC).

Earlier, Mr. Somporn met with Mr. Aree and Mr. Thirawat at the Ministry of Interior. However, he turned down the news that he was one of the candidates for the SBPAC Director’s position. Mr. Somporn said his director is the person who will consider this issue, but at this moment, he has not been approached by anyone yet.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 30 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Emergency rule to end in Muslim south: Thai junta chief

BANGKOK (AFP) - Thailand's junta chief General Sonthi Boonyaratglin said Monday that he backed a decision to end emergency rule in restive Muslim provinces by January.

"Based on information from both the interior ministry and the military, I think the emergency rule is not necessary any more," Sonthi told reporters.

The defense minister, General Boonrawd Somtas, said Friday that emergency rule would end by January, two months after a revived regional mediation body begins its work.

The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center reopens on Wednesday. Boonrawd said the center would be given two months to re-establish itself before emergency rule is lifted.

But Sonthi said troop levels in the south would remain the same even after the center reopens.

"Everything should improve after this change, and all the troops deployed in the area will be kept in place," he said.

Imposing emergency rule on the three Muslim-majority provinces along the Malaysian border was one of the most controversial decisions made by deposed prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was ousted by Sonthi last month.

Under emergency rule, authorities can detain suspects for up to 30 days without charge, search and arrest without warrants and tap phones.

The measure also gives security forces broad immunity from prosecution, which human rights groups claim creates a climate of impunity.

But Sonthi said that the military had used very few of its sweeping emergency powers, mainly to set up checkpoints along roads in the region where more than 1,500 people have died in a nearly three-year insurgency.

The junta has placed high hopes on the revived regional body curbing the unrest, which has spiraled in the last three weeks.

In its previous incarnation, the center was a forum that had allowed government officials and security forces to iron out their differences with local residents. It was credited with bringing down the number of violent incidents in Thailand's troubled south.

But Thaksin believed it had outlived its usefulness and dismantled it shortly after taking office in 2001.

The junta and the government it installed earlier this month have moved quickly to undo many of Thaksin's policies, which were widely blamed for exacerbating the conflict.

The generals have also offered to hold talks with the insurgents, but admitted they did not know exactly who was behind the unrest, which has been variously blamed on ethnic Malay separatists, Islamic extremists or criminal gangs.

Source: The Manager - 31 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Interior Ministry'll nominate Pranai as director of Southern Border Provinces Development Centre

Interior Ministry is expected to submit for cabinet approval Nonthaburi Governor Pranai Suwannarat to be director of revived Southern Border Provinces Development Centre that would be centre to deal with daily violence in the southern provinces.

Interior Minister Aree Wongaraya will submit his name during the cabinet weekly meeting on Tuesday.

Pranai will also be deputy permanent secretary and director of SBPDC. He was a former district chief of Pattani province and is a brother of a Privy Council member, Palakorn.

The new centre, renamed from Southern Bordr Provinces Administration Centre, will remain under Interior-Ministry administration and will have a broader sweep than its predecessor.

It will have responsibility in five provinces - all of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat and four districts of Songkhla and Satun. The SBPAC looked after Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat only.

Source: The Nation - 31 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM approves the new solution framework for violence in the southern region

Prime Minsiter Surayud Chulanont has approved a new solution framework for violence in the southern region.

CNS Secretary Prakij Prajonpudjaneuk (ประกิจ ประจนปัจจนึก) revealed that today CNS has proposed drafted policies and framework on solving unrest situation in the southern region to the Cabinet. The premier has already approved the policies meant to boost unity and justice in the southern region. The new framework will concern on three level, including policy level, analysis level, and operation level.

The Southern Border Provinces Peace-Building Command (SBPPC) will help look after in the first period and then, it will dissolve itself.

As for lifting the martial law, officials said that it depends on situation.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Nonthaburi Governor Pranai has been appointed as Interior Deputy Permanent Secretary and SBPAC Director

The government has appointed Nonthaburi Governor Pranai Suwannarat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัฐ) as the Permanent Secretary for Interior.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula, revealed that the Cabinet has voted for Governor Pranai to take charge of the Interior Ministry Deputy Permanent Secretary and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Director.

The Cabinet has considered that Mr. Pranai has the ability and moral standard.

M.R. Pridiyathorn is also confident that Mr. Pranai needs only a month to prove his capability and gain popularity among the officials.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Chamber of Commerce in Narathiwat agreed with the Prime Minister to resurrect SBPAC

The Chief of Narathiwat Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Somboon Boontamrongkij (สมบูรณ์ บุญธำรงกิจ), said he agrees with the interim government on the issue of resurrecting the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, or the SBPAC. Moreover, he believes that the development made on the SBPAC will build trust among merchants, entrepreneurs and members of the public in the restive areas. In addition, the government officers can further approach the locals so that they can truly understand the situations and problems and be able to solve them right away.

The chief also suggested that if the SBPAC is under the direct control of Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, then unrest problems can certainly be solved more speedily. Furthermore, the Chambers of Commerce in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat will meet with Gen. Surayud soon to discuss the creation of special economic zones in the southernmost provinces as well as the industrial areas in Narathiwat.

The aforementioned issues are in consideration because there are many foreign investors from Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia who want to expand their manufacturing plants in Thailand, but they are facing obstacles relating to lands and public utilities. Hence, the government has planned to let those investors expand their bases in the South. Moreover, this will help solve the problems of unemployed workers in this region as well.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Gen. Sonthi says SBPAC will not be given timeframe to carry out its task

Chief of the Royal Thai Army Sonthi Boonyaratkalin (สนธิ บุญยรัตกลิน), believes that Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) will be able to work smoothly without time pressure.

He said that the Army is ready to collaborate with SBPAC officials. Once the work direction and regulations have been set, the SBPAC should be able to work smoothly as its office and branch networks are still situated in the area. Gen. Sonthi believes that these branches will help facilitate SBPAC’s work and reach local residents’ problems.

SBPAC will continue socially-beneficial projects such as Peace Village Project whose expnsion is under consideration . However, Gen. Sonthi affirmed that he will not pressurize SBPAC’s officials by setting timeframe for its working as he understands that changing someone’s views takes time. At the same time, he has requested Army units to support SBPAC as well.

In the meantime, the Southern Border Provinces Peace Building Command (SBPPC) will be integrated with Internal Security Operations Command.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM to show sincerity in the South tomorrow

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont will travel to the southern region tomorrow (Nov 2) to exchange ideas and show the government’s sincerity in trying to solve the local problems.

Gen. Surayud earlier met with the farmers from the National Agricultural Council at the Agricultural Engineering Training Center in Bang Phun District of Pathum Thani Province. Later, he disclosed his reasons for visiting the South tomorrow. He said the locals can propose their problems to the government so they can be solved by adhering to the Sufficiency Economy philosophy. He said the government is willing to solve their problems regardless of their complexity or magnitude.

The Prime Minister refused to give his opinion about Mr. Pranai Suwannarat (พระนาย วรรณรัฐ) being appointed as the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Director. He only stated that the Ministry of Interior is responsible in this issue.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 01 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

The Prime Minister will go down to Pattani today

Prime Minister Gen. Surayud Chulanont said his duty today is to go down South to Pattani and discuss with Muslim religious leader about the solutions for the unrest.

The visit is intended to show the prime minister's sincerity in solving the unrest conflicts for the three Southern Border Provinces.

Moreover, the Prime Minister invited those who want to give out suggestions or make any comments on the unrest issues to the government, to do so anytime. He reiterated that the government will solve the problems by starting from the small problems first, then moving forward to the big one, or they may begin from an easy one and next to the tougher one.

However, the PM is not willing to give out any comment on the Ministry of Interior’s decision assigning Mr. Phranai Suwannarat (พระนาย สุวรรณรัฐ) as the Director for SBPAC. But he briefly said that it was the issue of the Ministry of Interior only.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Thai PM apologies for previous regime's harsh policies in restive south

PATTANI, Thailand (AP) - Thailand's interim premier on Thursday publicly apologized for the previous government's strong-arm methods against an Islamic insurgency in the country's south, saying that such tactics had worsened the situation.

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, installed this month after a military coup, was speaking to about 1,000 people in Pattani province, which along with neighboring Yala and Narathiwat provinces has seen sectarian violence that has killed more than 1,800 people since Jan. 2004.

Surayud said the government of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who was deposed in the Sept. 19 coup, had used harsh policies to combat the insurgency.

But Surayud said his government would use peaceful means to solve the south's problems.

Source: Associated Press - 2 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Surayud issues Tak Bai apology

Pattani - Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont apologized Thursday for the death of at least 85 people who had taken part in the Tak Bai demonstrators two years ago.

"I came here to apologize to you all," Surayudh told a pack-room of about 1,000 local residents from all walks of life in this Muslim-majority region who came to greet him.

"While both sides may be at fault, most of the mistakes were committed by the authorities. I came here to apologize to you and I am reaching out to you today," said Surayudh who was greeted by a big round of applause for what was billed as a long over due apology.

"Let us move on as a nation" he added.

In his first visit to the Malay-speaking in his capacity as the prime minister, Surayud told the audience that he was one of the people who went against the hard-line policy of the Thaksin government but failed to change the administration's mindset.

"I tried to counter their policy but I had failed," Surayudh said. He was accompanied by Army Commander in Chief Gen Sonthi Bunyaratglin.

A well known cleric and rector of Yala Islamic College, Ismail Lutphi Japakiya, hailed the statement as "one of the most important key that will lead to the solving of the problem in the region."

"I hope the God that he will have the strength to follow through with his effort to reconcile the nation," Lutphi said.

Tuan Bukharee Tokkubaha, a senior imam in Pattani's Muang district, said Surayud's "brought tear my eyes".

"It really moved me. I had goose bump all over," Bukharee said. "Today he has won so much hearts and minds of the Malay Muslims. I don't know what the future holds but this is definitely a good starting point," he added.

Chairman of the Islamic Committee of Pattani, Waeduramae Mahmingji, said the apology was "first step towards reconciliation."

A leding academic form Prince of Songkhla University in Pattani, Worawit Baru, said the apology was long over due but nevertheless, better late than never.

"I couldn't understand why it has taken so long for the political establishment to apologize for the atrocities even though the civil servants were indicating that it was acceptable. But I have to give this government credit for doing so," he said.

Of the 85 death, at least 78 Tak Bai demonstrators had died from suffocation after security officials stacked them one on top of another on the back of military trucks.

The tragedy drew a storm of criticism and condemnation from the international community, especially the Islamic world.

Source: The Nation - 2 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

PM joined Eid-Al-Fitr party in Pattani

Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont joined the Eid-Al-Fitr banquet to strengthen social reconciliation and unity of the local people in the five southernmost provinces of Thailand.

The banquet was held today (Nov 2) at C.S. Pattani Hotel, and Council for National Security (CNS) Chairman Sonthi Boonyaratglin, Interior Minister Aree Wong-araya, and Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Director Pranai Suwannarat. Other important people who joined the feast included religious leaders, community chiefs, and government officials. More than 1,000 people were present at the Eid-Al-Fitr banquet, to exchange their ideas and express their intention to solve the southern unrest.

The Prime Minister said all sides have to work together and have a mutual understanding. Religious and community leaders have to reconcile in order to bring peace back to the region as soon as possible.

The ambience of the feast was lively and affectionate, and many people in the party were offering their ideas and cooperation to Prime Minister Surayud, in order for the government to comprehensively solve the problems in the deep South.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 02 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

SBPAC Pranai to support children in the far South

The Director of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC), Mr. Pranai Suwannarat, is geared up to convert dreams of the southern youths into reality by coordinating with the relevant units as soon as possible.

After Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont visited the South and apologized to the local people, Mr. Pranai said this apology has caused certain emotional changes instantly. In addition, the premier said the Tak Bai case has been withdrawn, and the withdrawal has come into effect right away. The Prime Minister's speech in the South will make the local people to have faith in him, and the southern provincial governors can now work more smoothly.

At the same time, the officials have to expedite in working for the youths in the region such as developing sports’ activities and creating opportunities for them to explore new dimensions of the world. They will also have more educational opportunities, and the SBPAC will certainly help the southern youths on these issues.

Mr. Pranai said the transfer of operation between the Southern Border Provinces Peace-Building Command the SBPAC will be completed in about 60 days, following the order from the Office of the Prime Minister on October 30th.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Acting TRT Leader believes PM Surayud's apology to the South can be used to solve unrest

The acting Thai Rak Thai Party Leader, Mr. Chaturon Chaisaeng, believes that the apology made by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont in the deep South would be helpful in solving the ongoing unrest.

Mr. Chaturon conceded that the previous government could not end the southern turbulence because it used aggressive means. However, this interim government under the administration of Gen. Surayud has acted appropriately by withdrawing the Tak Bai case. Nevertheless, this government needs to quickly develop a mutual understanding with the executives, officials and people in the southernmost provinces.

Mr. Chaturon said he had a plan to spend a vacation in China last Tuesday, but he has to postpone it to next week so that the media does not misinterpret that he will have a meeting with Pol. Lt. Gen. Thaksin, the former Prime Minister and ex-Thai Rak Thai Party Leader.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 04 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Islamic Committee of Songkhla suggested SBPAC to consult Ulama Council

The Songkhla Provincial Islamic Committee has issued a proposal for the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) to consult with the Ulama Council in solving the southern unrest.

Mr. Samart Hethak (สมาท เหตุหาก), a member of the Songkhla Provincial Islamic Committee, said many religious intellectuals have gathered together and form the Ulama Council in order to help solve the religious conflicts in the southern border areas. Moreover, he mentioned that the government must manage the problems in accordance with the Islamic religious measures.

Under the name of Ulama Council, the Muslims will be more convinced and the country would be able regain peace because all Ulama members truly understand the beliefs and actions of all Muslims.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

Pol. Gen. Kowit has ordered officials to develop better relations w/ the locals

The Royal Thai Police Commissioner-General, Pol. Gen. Kowit Wattana has ordered all local southern officers to hastily build a better relationship with the masses.

The Commissioner-General has commanded Pol. Lt. Gen. Adul Sangsinghkaew, the Commander of the Provincial Police Region 9th, to coordinate with the 4th Regional Army Commander to fine-tune the operation in the three southern borders provinces.

Pol. Gen. Kowit spoke about the protest carried out by the villagers after the withdrawal of police officers in Bannang Sata District of Yala Province.

He said the relations between the general public and the officials must be managed as soon as possible in order to build up unity.

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