‘Front command Cabinet’ created
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THE 13-strong “front command Cabinet”, led by Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdech Sitabutr, was given the green light by the Cabinet Tuesday, Deputy PM and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan said.
As a team including former chiefs of the Fourth Army Region, who are familiar with the issue, they will be able to tackle the unrest in the deep South well, Prawit said.
He also added that Udomdech would continue with his duties at the Defence Ministry as he would not be required to be in the deep South at all times.
Prawit said he hoped this special team, with Deputy Education Minister General Surachet Chaiwong as vice chairman, would help with the ongoing Malaysia-facilitated peace dialogue with separatists. General Aksara Kerdphol, who led the Thai negotiating team, is also a member of this “front command Cabinet”.
In response to criticism that the team comprised mostly military officers rather than civilians, Prawit reasoned that these military men knew the issue better due to past experience. He also said he did not think this team would require a lot of funding.
