Progress of Resolving Southern Problems through Peaceful Means and Public Participation

(16/08/2011)

Much progress has been made for the resolving of problems in the southern border provinces, with an emphasis on peaceful means and public participation. The Deputy Commander of the Internal Security Operations Command, Forward, under the Fourth Army Area Command, Major General Acra Tiproch, said that four major tasks have been carried out in earnest to restore peace in the deep South. The first task involves “politics-leading-military” operations, which focus mainly on development work, such as the development of public health, education, the local economy, and infrastructure. The second task involves military operations under the law to deal with the violent members of society, while innocent people will be treated with compassion and care. The operations are based on the rule of law and justice for all. Wrongdoers will be provided with opportunities to prove themselves in the legal system and to turn over a new leaf. Major General Acra cited misunderstanding between local people and officials as a root cause of problems in the deep South. So the third task seeks to create better understanding among three groups of people about the southern situation. The first group includes local people in the southern border provinces, the second group Thai people of the whole country, and third group those in the international community. The fourth task involves various activities to encourage civil society to participate in resolving problems in the deep South. For instance, public forums have been arranged through the Advisory Council on the Administration and Development of Southern Border Provinces. Results of the forums will be used as guidelines for improving the southern situation. Many cultural events have also been carried out to develop the deep South as a more livable region, with a delightful atmosphere in which to make a living. Major General Acra said that the Fourth Army Area Command has various professional groups as its advisors, as well, and that volunteers from civil society have taken part in patrolling southern areas to ensure security and safety for local people. He said that more and more local people have now cooperated with officials, as seen from their welcoming of the operations of officials in their communities. A greater number of local people have actively joined local events and festivals. Obviously, the local economy has also expanded, with the construction of more housing units. In addition, Major Acra said, no more negative conditions that might be used as a pretext to initiate acts of violence have been found on the part of officials. He pointed out that the army has a clear policy to launch proactive political operations, together with development work, in order to tackle southern unrest. The operations have improved the southern situation, as those who had been misled into joining groups intent on committing violence have been found to have better understanding about the Government. They have also been provided with assistance in the legal process and other matters, so that they would be able return to their families to lead a normal life. The Fourth Army Area Command is trying to ensure that religious conflicts will not be used as a pretext by perpetrators to initiate acts of violence.