Prawit lauds public role for drop in South attacks
DEPUTY PM and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan yesterday claimed insurgency incidents in the South had dropped by half. He made the comment while issuing national security policies to the heads of 50 departments at the Royal Thai Army Club.
Prawit said the government had been working hard to ensure national security both locally and internationally, adding that allowing public participation in security work in the South had contributed to the success.
“State officials there understand their work and realise that getting the public to engage and participate in ensuring security will bring about peace,’’ he said.
He added that the government had drawn up national security policies, covering 16 topics over a seven-year period of implementation.
Prawit also urged the 50 department chiefs to be aware of the multiple dimensions of national security. He said they needed to always assess domestic and international security situations so as to correctly identify strategies and suitable plans.
The government realises that economic development brings about national security issues. All departments and ministries as well as local governments must also realise this and create integrated plans to boost economic development, he added.
He said state officials should not underestimate potential negative impacts if the minimum wage were raised from Bt300 to Bt360. “If we adjust the rate without planning, I guarantee that there will not be any factory left in the country because they will all relocate to other countries,’’ he said.
Prawit said the government was laying the groundwork on basic infrastructure projects such as dual rail tracks and high-speed train that would move people and link the country with neighbours. Prawit urged the officials to place emphasis on strengthening the “immunity” of society to achieve sustainable peace and prevent possible mishaps.
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