POLITICS
POST REPORTERS
Spiritual leaders and business people yesterday called on Prime Minister Somchai Wongsawat to place the southern troubles and peace-building efforts high on his list of national priorities. Yala chamber of commerce chairman Wirat Assavasuksan said the regional violence needed to be resolved urgently because there was still no light at the end of the tunnel after five years of violence.
Former deputy chairman of the Yala Provincial Islamic Committee Nimu Makaje said a free and fair justice system ensured by the new prime minister would help improve the situation.
Chart Thai deputy leader Nikorn Jamnong said given the fact that Mr Somchai was a southern native of Nakhon Si Thammarat and had a legal background, these attributes would come in useful in tackling the southern unrest.
The Federation of Teachers in Southern Border Provinces working in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla called for a hike in risk allowances and insurance money for teachers to boost their morale.
Former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh offered a glimmer of hope that the southern violence would come to a complete end on Dec 5 in time for the celebration of His Majesty the King's birthday.
Gen Chavalit claimed that his efforts to hold private negotiations with insurgent groups which were active in the region through cooperation from Malaysia would bear fruit soon.
''The ceasefire will begin after the holy fasting month of Ramadan, which is expected by Oct 13. However, everything will reach the end of the road on Dec 5 to mark His Majesty's birthday,'' he said.
Although he was treading a similar path to that taken by Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana leader Chettha Thanajaro, he had been cautious and was not another Gen Chettha for sure, he added.
Gen Chettha came under strong criticism after the ceasefire announcement by the Thailand United Southern Underground aired on army-run Channel 5 television on July 17 failed to achieve any results.
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