The appointment of a "special government delegation" to coordinate efforts in resolving southern unrest has met with scepticism with observers saying it is old wine in a new bottle.
Some critics have expressed disappointment with the list of 13 members, most of whom are retired army and state officials who used to work in the strife-torn region and made few changes while serving in the deep South.
Headed by Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr, the special delegation includes four former commanders of the 4th Army Region and two former deputy commanders of the 4th Army Region. The others include Deputy Education Minister Surachet Chaiwong, who serves as the delegation's deputy chief, and Gen Aksara Kerdphol, the head of the government team handling peace talks on the southern unrest.
Set Alyufree, chairman of Pattani provincial administrative organisation (PAO), has expressed concerns the newly-appointed delegation lacks "diversity" and that it might focus on a single aspect when dealing with the southern problems.
He said he is concerned about the information that will be used in formulating policy for the deep South, especially if the delegation receives its facts from a single source.
According to Mr Set, based on the composition of the delegation, its focus is likely to be on security and education. He said he expects to see economic specialists, preferably those at the director-general level, be added to the delegation or at least work with the delegation.
Samart Thongfua, a political scientist, said there are strong and weak points when it comes to the make-up of the special delegation that is full of military and security specialists.
He said while it is likely to succeed in its coordinating role, its work may overlap with that of existing agencies such as the forward command of the Internal Security Operations Command Region and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC).
"If the delegation has a clearly defined job and its responsibility doesn't interfere or overlap with the other agencies, that will be great," he said.
Ma-ae Sa-ah, a former member of the Pulo separatist group, has expressed disappointment, doubting the delegation can fulfil its job when none of the members is a native of the deep South.
He also noted there are several others who are up to the task.
Khorsalee Ahwae, a researcher at Mahidol University's Human Rights and Peace Institute, also said specialists from other fields should be brought to work with the special delegation if it is to bolster the peace process.
"Academics, civic groups, the business sector should have a part in it. The peace process needs input from all sectors and from every level," he said.
However, he said the appointment of the special delegation is a good start and at least he expects it to help cut bureaucratic red-tape.
Maroning Salaeh, president of Save Pattani Bay group, has welcomed the delegation but suggested the government clearly defines its scope of work to make sure it will not overlap with the other agencies especially the forward command of the Isoc Region 4.
Rakchart Suwan, leader of Buddhists for Peace group, said it is important for the special delegation to be in the region so it can see the problems and get first-hand information.
"They should visit the region frequently. If it doesn't, it is useless," he said. However, he said it is too early to judge if the delegation can deliver.
Under the order published in the Royal Gazette on Sept 15, Gen Prayut is authorised to appoint the delegation to centralise operations and projects regarding security in the restive region as well as southern border development policies and their implementation.
Meanwhile, concerns are being raised about possible conflicts between the special delegation and existing agencies.
It is reported local authorities are unhappy with the appointment of the delegation to oversee their work, especially when it comes to scrutiny of budget spending.
Gen Surachet, deputy chief of the delegation, however, said it is the first time these people have been brought together to solve the southern insurgency.
The delegation will hold its first meeting today to discuss its framework.
It focuses on seven areas: public security; administration of justice and rehabilitation of victims; promoting better understanding; promoting education and cultural diversity; development of human resources and improvement of quality of life; boosting efficiency in national administration and policy implementation; and resolving conflicts.