Arming deep South villagers a dangerous idea

This idea is misguided and fraught with danger, for many reasons.

First, at the highest level, it is the duty of the state to protect its citizens, not to expect them to do it themselves.

Second, the plan calls for “training”, but weapons handling and use – particularly in hostile situations – calls for highly specialised skills, and I doubt a few days training in how to load and fire a rifle will suffice.

Third, arming defence force volunteers will increase their attractiveness as targets to the insurgents.

Finally, what measures will ensure that these weapons do not fall into the hands of insurgents. The Army has already proved itself incapable of maintaining its own armoury safely, with military-issue rifles, grenades and ammunition turning up in the hands of civilians with alarming frequency. What is to stop “sympathetic” defence volunteers handing over the rifles to insurgents, or insurgents stealing or obtaining the rifles by military action?

History is full of examples of weapons provided to one side being used against it by the other side. The latest example came just this month when the United States air-dropped weapons to anti-IS fighters, but miscalculated and dropped them straight into the waiting arms of the IS.

Prime Minister Prayut, please shelve this proposal immediately.

David Brown

Rayong