South less violent than a year ago, Army chief says
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Army Commander in Chief Udomdej Sitabutr said on Tuesday that there is less violence now in the Thailand's southernmost provinces compared to last year but added that some insurgent groups are attempting to create incidents to oppose peace negotiations.
He said that 4th Army Region Commander Prakan Cholayuth was intensifying security measures to bring the region under closer control.
I do not think that local opposition is a big issue,” Gen Udomdej said. “I believe there are attempts to show off their [insurgent] potential.”
Asked if violence would increase as Thailand prepares for further southern peace negotiations, Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents usually followed a turning point in the restoration of peace in the south. However, he stressed that the every dimension of the overall situation had improved in October compared with the same period last year.
“Preparations for peace negotiations will not take long but some internal operations must be adjusted to ensure progress. We are also waiting for policies from the prime minister,” Gen Udomdej said.
He added that the far South would enjoy better development as government organisations implement projects designed to suit the local context and demands.
Gen Udomdej said that violent incidents have decreased compared with the same period of last year.
Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha met with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak in Malaysia yesterday.
They agreed to resume southern peace negotiations with Malaysia as facilitator. Gen Prayut said that peace negotiations would take time and if insurgent movements wanted to solve problems soon, they should enter into negotiations with the government.
