The government has decided to allocate 13 billion baht in its budget for the next fiscal year to tackle the unrest in the deep South.
It also plans to use drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) for security patrols in 37 districts in the troubled region.
Deputy Defence Minister Udomdej Sitabutr, who heads the special delegation asked to solve the problems in deep South, said 13.25 billion baht will be set aside for 78 projects and 85 activities proposed by 54 government organisations.
The 2018 fiscal year starts on Oct 1.
The projects and activities will help improve the troubled situation, Gen Udomdej said.
Since the violence erupted in 2004, the government has spent almost 300 billion baht dealing with the problem but without much success.
In 2016, the government spent 12 billion baht, compared to more than 30 billion baht in 2015 and about 26 billion baht in 2014 and 2013 respectively.
Gen Udomdej also said authorities will start using drones to provide security cover, although it would not do away with the need for manned patrols in all areas, despite the risk involved for troops. Insurgents often target manned patrols, even those providing protection for school teachers, as they are seen as a soft target.
The idea was floated at a government workshop, which has been deliberating the issues concerning the South at the Government Complex on Chaeng Watthana Road from Monday. The discussions are to end Thursday.
Gen Udomdej said he intends to use three to four drones (unmanned aerial vehicles, also known as UAVs) in 37 districts for patrol activities to avoid incidents of ambush and bomb attacks and raise the morale of security personnel.
The police still need to patrol the areas despite the use of modern tools such as drones, he said.
Among the aims of the projects approved are protecting lives and the property of the public, ensuring justice and compensation for the people affected by the unrest, and improving the image of the country in matters concerning human rights.
Others will promote educational work on religion, art and culture, capacity-building programmes for local administrative organisations and improving the quality of life of locals, and implementing the government's policies on a broader front.
Most funding is for the first cluster of projects and activities, which come under the care of the Defence Ministry.
It will receive a total 6.1 billion baht in budget funds for the projects, the workshop was told.