Focus on unrest irks Surapong

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Published: 1 Jan 2013 at 23.18
Online news: Local News

Lavishing too much attention on the violence in the deep South could provoke more bloodshed, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul says in a warning to the media.

The government is aware it needs to explain the problem but is also aware that drawing attention to it could encourage the insurgents, he said.

"I would not like the international community to pay more attention to this problem, but they should condemn those who attack innocent people," he said.

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soltair
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Discussion 32 : 03 Jan 2013 at 20.0532
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Yeah DonAleman # 31, head on with more personnel and bigger guns right? Wrong, history taught us this is a sure way to escalate fighting an "army" without uniform, and in the lucky case a costly stalemate for 50 years. These "insurgent" by any other name, chose the time and the location of the "battlefield, the Army only reacts. Read history, or try the message #16. To win the hearts and minds of the local population is one way, Taxhim's head-on Emperor syndrome does NOT work as seen in the war on drugs, right?
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DonAleman
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Discussion 31 : 02 Jan 2013 at 22.3231
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This situation has gone to far, 5000 + lies,billions of dollars, living
in daily fear, ( those in the South ),to worry about media reports and well past the
time for real military,( Thai or outsiders ) offensive force. Time to stop waiting
for the next killing to occur and ordering that silly, stupid, "security tightening "
for the 15th or 20th time with no effect. Is the Thai military afraid ?
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bangmodken
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Discussion 30 : 02 Jan 2013 at 17.2430
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D24 : I would agree if I thought the perpetrators of the violent attacks in the South were carried out by one or several political/religious groups,like the Communists in Malaya. But I doubt this is the case here. I believe the majority of killings has nothing to do with a Muslim insurgency,which may explain why no-one ever comes forth with demands and why most victims are themselves Muslim.
All terrorist/insurgency groups have demands. Even Al-Qaeda and the notorious Abu Sayef have demands.
So while a small percentage of the violence can be attributed to Muslim insurgents,most of it cannot.
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genii
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Discussion 29 : 02 Jan 2013 at 17.1929
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What is the problem in the south. Identify the problem and get rid of the problem with whatever means and whatever cost. Problem solved. It is Thai sovereignty yes.
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john49
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Discussion 28 : 02 Jan 2013 at 16.4428
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There needs to be a new strategy, start giving the troops on the ground (eg officers and nco's) more say in operational matters as these are the blokes who are risking their lives on a daily basis. Involve local community as well. Generals and politicians need to be promoted to a new ministry titled 'The Ministry For Obsolete Ideas'
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borrocks
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Discussion 27 : 02 Jan 2013 at 11.4927
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this Government like all the preceding ones are a joke...putting your head in the sand does not make the problem go away, NOT even in Thailand
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ggh
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Discussion 26 : 02 Jan 2013 at 11.4726
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Dis 17 – I agree with your #4. All others will fall into place if #4 is achieved. The PT and opposition need to work together toward this goal. Winning peoples support is the only way the gorilla attacks will come to an end. The opposition should be playing a key role in their stronghold to achieve this effort. They are not.
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HowIWish
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Discussion 25 : 02 Jan 2013 at 11.4625
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Spiceman D#7 very true with your words. Disappointment continues with the report, notice only half of the report is on the subject, and remainder is what Surapong intends to do for the remainder of 2013!! In this instance pity BP didn't stay focussed! The problems of the south is a major concern for all Thais, let's hope the 'whole' govt (PT and Dems) can start working on a united front to try to stop the murders and make people accountable.
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geoffo
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Discussion 24 : 02 Jan 2013 at 11.4324
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D9 As others have suggested , to have a plan you must have some idea where you want to go. What is the Govs plan-if they had one they would talk about it. The only talk is Surapong's hope !

As for defeating the insurgents, there are myriads of books to study on the topic. One is "The War of the Running Dogs" by Noel Barber. This describes how Malaya defeated the Communists. Using specialist trackers from other countries for example exposed the terrorists. Profiling everyone in a village exposed who did not fit. Night patrols. Simple practical things won their war.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 23 : 02 Jan 2013 at 11.1523
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soltair #16 I don't think Sun Tzu's philosophy in the Art of War should be applied by an army on it's own people. Obviously for the past 40 years the Thai army has disagreed with this opinion.
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