SHADOWBOXING
KORN CHATIKAVANIJ
I am going to write about the deep South - but please read on.
I feel the need to plead because though the general public has consistently identified the southern problem as one of their two main concerns (the other being the economy), I have my doubts as to how interested they really are - especially with all that is going on in politics at the moment.
I very much sense that I am writing about a subject that is unfashionable and, frankly, not considered of immediate interest. I often wonder whether people outside of the three provinces are merely paying lip service, out of guilt perhaps, in citing the deep South as a concern.
I say this because in reality the deep South is physically a long way away and, in addition, the problem appears to be contained within the provinces directly affected.
The mentality of MPs in general reflects this and I am certainly guilty of it. We debate the issue from time to time and unless there are specific events that tug at emotions of the general public, such as the murders of Khru Juling or of protesters at Tak Bai, we are usually content to leave the debate to the southern MPs - and since most of them are Muslims, there is a sense that this is a faraway problem amongst a minority group.
The visits to Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat organised by the Interior shadows, Suthep Thaugsuban and Thavorn Senniam, was thus very welcome and, broken into two separate trips, were enthusiastically attended by over 50 Democrat MPs from around the country. As usual, the detailed itinerary had to be kept secret for security reasons but in the end, though not without angst, both trips were incident-free.
I have to admit, though, that I tried to avoid telling my wife about the trip till as late as possible to limit the number of anxious days for her. Her immediate reaction, born entirely as a result of natural concern, was: "Why you? Is it worth the risk?"
Rationally we both knew that as a Bangkok-elected MP, I am in fact responsible for all Thais, just the same as my colleagues who joined the trip from Sukhothai, Ubon, Nakhon Sawan and elsewhere. I thought to myself on the way that if I could be anxious about a one-night stay - what must life be like for the locals who live there 365 nights a year?
Indeed, all us Democrats came to feel that it is absolutely unacceptable for there to be significant parts of our country that as normal citizens we should feel positively unsafe to enter. Our job as politicians, therefore, must be to solve this problem - however unfashionable it might be from time to time.
During the trips South, we met with all sides (except for the terrorists themselves). It was clear that the people have adjusted to a different lifestyle required as a result of the constant threats. Funeral rites have been moved from the traditional 7.30pm to 5pm so that everyone could get home before dark. Civilian security rings are organised to protect village celebrations. In short, life goes on, as it must, but with extra care and attention.
None of this is heroic, for you and I would do just the same in that situation; just pray that the day never comes.
It is necessary for us to talk to all parties - because it was clear that there were different perspectives being given depending on whom you spoke with. I can, however, conclude that government ministers who do not attempt to directly touch base with locals but rely on official reports, can make dangerous mistakes. It is clear that His Majesty the King's royal mantra of "access, understand and develop" remains absolutely true.
I couldn't help but see much of the problems from an economist/businessman's eyes. Still, it was apparent to me that cultural issues play a huge part in the problems. The fact that Muslim children need to divide their time between the national curriculum and their religious studies has both negative and positive implications.
I have always been impressed by the discipline of Muslim children in my own constituency in Bangkok and invariably this leads to strong community ties as well as a clear identity. However, in the South where the quality of teaching is of a much lower standard than in Bangkolaem, Wattana or Yannawa, the net result tends to be that Muslim children end up uncompetitive at the national level. Throw in the fact that Muslim families have more children and the result is poorer family care and fewer opportunities and eventually job options. All this I hear from Islamic leaders who stress that if they were to pick one issue which could help solve the problems in the long term, it would be education.
That aside, I am of no doubt that a stronger economy with better opportunities and income would go a long way to lower support for terrorists. In our discussions with local business folk in Narathiwat, for example, it became clear that the existing soft-loan provided at an interest rate of 1.5% per annum must be extended beyond the maturity date of February 2010.
The key, though, is how to attract private sector investment into the region. The Anand Panyarachun government approved a plan to create an economic zone back in 1992 but nothing has been achieved since. I believe that with the right incentives - and they will need to be radical - we can provide an offer that the private sector cannot refuse.
In Narathiwat, local authorities and businesses already have two potential sites for industrial park developments, both with excellent access to a very functional airport (currently served by Air Asia and PB Air).
It would be advantageous for the government to consider, for example, 20-year corporate and personal income tax waivers to investors, especially for industries that can provide an upgrade in potential income levels for local workers, such as electronics and food processing.
The Democrat economic team will also be visiting the Middle East to help entice investment in the halal food industry in the deep South. Our market share in the world's halal food trading business remains less than 1% - an opportunity indeed for a country that is such a prolific food producer. Certainly better than having them buy up our rice paddies!
There are now over 200,000 Thais from the South working across the border in Malaysia. Time away from the family means weaker communities and problematic upbringing of children - a recipe for dissent, if there ever was one.
The much-discussed investment in the land-bridge scheme will also be hugely significant for the southern provinces. Not only through employment opportunities but their role as gateways to Malaysia could prove to be very profitable. Currently goods head to the Penang port - which is merely a relay station, not a deep sea port. Access to both the west and the east sea routes through the land-bridge will attract the movement of goods up through our borders.
Once there is momentum, more people will be able to enjoy the delights on offer in the deep South. The food alone is not only unique but delicious. I'd be happy to return if only to enjoy la-sae and nasi-dakae again.
With locals reporting better relationships with a more understanding military and hopefully a functioning Sor Or Bor Tor backed by law, we will continue to plead for government support. There is hope in the South and we should remain committed to them, not just in words but in deeds.
Korn Chatikavanij is shadow finance minister.
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