A New Operations Center to Be Set Up to Tackle Problems in the Deep South

(10/08/2012)

The Government will set up a new Southern Border Provinces Operations Center to resolve problems in the deep South. A meeting of officials from 17 ministries agreed to the establishment of the center, aimed at enhancing the efficiency in dealing with the southern situation in an integrated manner. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, took place on 8 August 2012 at Government House in order to mobilize efforts for unified operations among all agencies concerned. Prime Minister Yingluck stated that the setting up of the new center was not meant to create duplication of work, but to provide support for quick decision and operations. She said that the center would be headed by Deputy Prime Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapha. Other responsible persons will be Deputy Prime Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit, who supervises the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, and Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung, who supervises the Royal Thai Police. The Prime Minister called on all relevant agencies to work in the same direction under the Strategic Plan for Southern Border Provinces Development, 2012-2014. She stressed that the Government was ready to provide them with full support in order to reduce damage and loss of lives and property caused by unrest in the deep South. Prime Minister Yingluck instructed officials to introduce safety zones, with an emphasis on 13 areas in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Songkhla. Among the 13 areas, seven consist of major economic zones and communities, namely Mueang district of Pattani, Mueang district of Yala, Betong district of Yala, Mueang district of Narathiwat, Sugnai-Kolok district of Narathiwat, Tak Bai district of Narathiwat, and Hat Yai district of Songkhla. The remaining six comprise areas where violence situation has taken place occasionally. They include Yarang district of Pattani, Thanto district of Yala, Bacho district of Narathiwat, Ra-ngae district of Narathiwat, Rueso district of Narathiwat, and Saba Yoi district of Songkhla. Apart from the introduction of safety zones, more CCTVs will be installed in all major areas in the deep South, while security checks will be tightened and information exchange will be stepped up with Malaysia. Concerning restorative justice, the civic sector will play a greater role in the justice process to contribute to the tackling of southern problems. Emphasis will be placed on human rights and assistance for those affected by the southern unrest. Regarding education, general education, together with religious studies, will be introduced in primary and secondary schools in the South. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, stated that it would increase scholarships for students in the deep South to continue their studies in foreign countries. Thai students who used to study in Muslim countries, around 3,000-4,000 in number now, will be urged to help create better understanding among youth in the southern border provinces to prevent them from being misled.