An ambitious approach to the insurgency in the deep South which involves turning three districts into a new economic triangle will be tabled Monday for approval from Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha during his visit to Narathiwat.
Nong Chik district in Pattani, Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat and Betong district in Yala have been selected for the plan as authorities push ahead with large-scale investment as an economic cure to the chronic violence that has flared up and gripped these three Muslim-dominated provinces since 2004.
Proponents have termed the approach the "Triangle of Security, Sustainability and Wealth", government spokesman Sansern Kaewkamnerd said yesterday.
Under the plan, Nong Chik, an insurgency-prone area notorious for shootings and blasts carried out by separatists, will become the quintessential district in the southernmost region for agro-industry businesses, Maj Gen Sansern said.
The neighbouring province of Yala will have its Betong become the ideal example for sustainable energy development while Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, which borders Malaysia, is envisioned as the centre of southern border trade.
Progress in these fields is expected to take shape in the next six years, Maj Gen Sansern said.
This period is divided into two phases -- development of local infrastructure, and logistics upgrade for international transport.
The first phase, which will take place from next year until 2019, aims at improving electricity supply and tap water production.
It also includes an initiative to improve sea and land transportation that involves plans to develop Pattani port and expand Khok Pho railway station, which is also in the province.
Officials will not only limit development to these public utilities, Maj Gen Sansern said.
They also want to strengthen "financial infrastructure" by setting up a fund to support new businessmen, including those who will embark on their start-up.
In the second phase, from 2020 to 2022, the focus will be shifted to improving transport of goods from southern Thailand to Malaysia and Singapore.
These developments are what the government has set its eyes on as it realises military missions alone cannot bring an end to insurgency in the region with a unique culture that is different from most parts of the country.
"The prime minister supports this economic approach as a solution," Maj Gen Sansern said, adding it is expected to help stop the relentless waves of insurgency and bring prosperity to people in the region.
The triangle plan is gaining support from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, the state arm in charge of economic, political and social development in the far South, the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Thai Industries and local businessmen.
Today in Narathiwat, Gen Prayut will chair a meeting to make a decision about this crucial step, Maj Gen Sansern said.
During his one-day trip to the province, the prime minister will discuss security matters in the morning.
It will be followed by a discussion on economic development plans at the provincial hall in Muang district in the afternoon.
