NSC backs troops rejig in far South

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NSC backs troops rejig in far South

Supports new division to fight insurgency

Published: 15 Oct 2012 at 00.00
Newspaper section: News

The National Security Council (NSC) is pushing to reorganise troops from around the deep South so the army can move ahead with its plan to establish a new infantry division to specifically fight against separatist insurgents.

Paradorn: Manpower boost planned

Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanathabutr, the new NSC secretary-general who assumed office on Oct 1, said dousing the flames of the southern conflict is one of the NSC's top priorities. Another priority is to foster national reconciliation.

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arch
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Discussion 12 : 15 Oct 2012 at 15.5012
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Only dialogue has a chance to bring a peace process in motion, not more soldiers.
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bangmodken
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Discussion 11 : 15 Oct 2012 at 15.1211
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Yet another worthless Thaksin/PTP affiliated/appointed General who will likely only fuel the flames. It's a well known fact that conflict is a great cash-cow,so why kill it?
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Ian
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Discussion 10 : 15 Oct 2012 at 13.3610
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The Afghan experience is showing that it is a dangerous policy to recruit local Moslems into a local peace keeping force. There is likely to be a very high attrition rate amongst non Moslem members of such a force. You are basically giving weapons, training and information to the enemy.
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rubyridge
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Discussion 9 : 15 Oct 2012 at 11.159
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"The masterminds behind the violence are not here in Thailand, but security officers know who they are."
Then why do the military take a lesson and deal with them as Bin Laden was dealt with - with extreme prejudice
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bern1005
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Discussion 8 : 15 Oct 2012 at 10.468
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So do Generals from other areas do not like the social and sports facilities in the south or is there some other reason why they want to avoid being on temporary assignment in this area?

Is it more depressing to see that most of the Army want to avoid doing their duty or that the Army expect this conflict to continue for many many years more?
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waters
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Discussion 7 : 15 Oct 2012 at 10.077
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jacksprat, DS # 4
A division is about 10,000 soldiers. But let's not forget that the Thai army employs a large percentage of these soldiers as grass cutters, batsmen & drivers for generals, warehouse and gate guards, administative clerks, and waiters & bartenders for the officiers' clubs. Roughly half of the 15th Infantry Division will be manning road blocks ( like the police do before payday ) which means only about a battalions's worth of soldiers, or less, will actually be hunting down the terrorists in 3 provinces. Actually, that's a small number, and they're not provided armor plated vehicles or working explosives detectors.
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siamitude
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Discussion 6 : 15 Oct 2012 at 09.516
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Don't be fooled, military in the South are part of the problem, not part of the solution. Thailand needs foreign mediation like UN or ASEAN to solve this problem peacefully.
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morgo
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Discussion 5 : 15 Oct 2012 at 09.445
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Is anyone in Thailand following the events in the Phillipines?

Surely it must now be clear to everyone now, that the only way to peace is through negotiation. History has shown time and again that the use of armed forces to quell opposition, only leads to an escalation of the conflict on both sides. Unfortunately for Thailand, it seems the military are the de facto government, and until that changes there will never be peace in the south.

I fail to see why Taskin's passport has anything to do with the story.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 4 : 15 Oct 2012 at 09.284
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An entire new infantry division? That is over 10,000 men. Couldn't a battalion do the job? That is about 1,200 men. This is a campaign against a relatively small number of terrorist, not a war against another country with proper armed forces.
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waters
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Discussion 3 : 15 Oct 2012 at 08.243
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"The masterminds behind the violence are not here in Thailand, but security officers know who they are. "We know who we are fighting against," he said."

Really? And what is the government doing about it? Are the 'masterminds' going to be arrested and sent to Thailand to face charges? Or is it the case that Thais don't have the right to know? or is Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanathabutr just telling little white lies to make himself look like he's on top of things?

I hate to sound negative, but ever since this government came into power the situation in the deep South has only got worse, and there's a real credability problem with all of Thaksin's appointed people.
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