Army likely to retain key role in far South

Pattani senator Vorawit Baru said the fact no deputy premier had been assigned to oversee security in the three-southern-most provinces meant that military was likely to take a lead role over politicians in the Deep South. 

Vorawit urges the public to keep a watch on conflict between the army and politicians in the area, however. He said Yingluck remained chairperson ex-officio of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) and the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC). 

Vorawit said another reason why there was no appointment for any deputy premier to oversee the far South might have to do with the government’s intention to avoid conflict between politicians and the army.

“Although the premier chairs both the ISOC and SBPAC, she doesn’t go into the area. I see only the Fourth Area Army commander-in-chief that works in the area. And when there are incidents, he reports directly to the Army,” the senator said.

Appointed senator Anusorn Suwanmongkol, meanwhile, said he was surprised that no deputy premier was appointed and urged the public to keep an eye on the matter and see if security in the Deep South remains a priority for the government or not. He said the move may also stem from the fact no one was qualified to handle the matter or that there was no consensus on the allocation of that cabinet portfolio.

Anusorn urged the government to maintain a high priority for the far South, and to use able and knowledgeable people to handle problems in the area.

“I’d like to ask the government to consider the continuity of solving the problems in the South and be careful (in selecting people), not just anyone. The problems of the Southern provinces need capable and knowledgeable people because the area is complicated. 

“When Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung said there was no need to visit the area as he can solve the problems from the centre, that hurt the spirit of people in the area,” he said.