Strategic Plan for Southern Border Provinces Development

(18/04/2012)

The strategic plan for southern border provinces development for 2012-2014 has been endorsed by the Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee. The committee, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Yongyoot Wichaidit, met on 11 April 2012 to consider the plan, proposed by the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center. The plan consists of nine strategies. The first strategy calls for public participation in tackling problems in the southern border provinces special zone and for concerted efforts by all relevant agencies in working in an integrated manner for southern development. The second strategy seeks to empower local villages and communities for peace-building in the deep South. In the third strategy, more forums will be arranged for local people to seek solutions to the southern conflict through peaceful means. The fourth strategy seeks to promote religious, multi-cultural, and local history studies. In the fifth strategy, the efficiency in ensuring justice and protecting the rights and freedoms of local people will be enhanced, together with law enforcement and rehabilitation for the affected people. The sixth strategy involves confidence-building for greater efficiency in economic development in the South. The seventh strategy calls for social, sports, and tourism development, while seeking to improve the quality of life, especially that of the underprivileged. The eighth strategy involves better communication between officials and local people. In the ninth strategy, cooperation with the international community will be promoted and preparations for the realization of the ASEAN Community will be made. The Southern Border Provinces Development Strategy Committee also approved guidelines and procedures for financial assistance for those affected by violence in the southern border provinces. For instance, medical services will be provided, both physically and mentally, so that the affected people will be able to live with good quality of life. As for spiritual rehabilitation, the affected people will be offered financial support for their travel to perform the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia or for religious activities of other faiths. Assistance will also be provided to repair their damaged property, as well. Other assistance measures include occupational promotion, the stepping up of security, the establishment of specialized clinics and education institutions for people with disabilities. In the same meeting, the committee approved the payment of financial assistance on humanitarian basis to victims of violent incidents and their families in the deep South. Culture offices will also be set up in 56 districts in the five southern border provinces, namely Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat, Satun, and Songkhla.