The government's security policies and efforts to promote understanding have cut southern insurgent violence by half in the first six months this year, over last year, Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwon said on Thursday, Matichon Online reported.
Gen Prawit, who is also defence minister, was speaking at a press conference after a meeting with security agencies to discuss the national security policy for 2015-2021, which was approved by the cabinet on March 27.
Others at the conference included Anusit Kunakorn, secretary-general of the National Security Council, and the chiefs of the armed forces.
Mr Anusit said the NSC worked with all government agencies to incorporate the security policy into the 2016 national budget for implementation, with emphasis on assessment of strategic situations and internal and external security.
Gen Prawit said security involves several dimensions. For example, regarding the economy, the government has to take measures to cope with drought, human trafficking and, now, the IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing problem.
To solve these problems, military, police and other officials were required to work together.
Moreover, the government is required to lay a foundation for security after the new constitution is promulgated, to be followed by a general election, to ensure the continuity of reforms.
"The government has been working in every dimension. Everyone in the country must join hands to attain security, prosperity and sustainability," Gen Prawit said.
The defence minister said that during the past six months the number of insurgency-related violent incidents dropped by around 50% compared to the same period last year.
He attributed this to the ability of government officials to promote understanding with the local people under the Thung Yang Daeng model.
The Natural Resources and Environement Ministry had taken steps to solve land problems, while the Labour Ministry had implemented the registration of migrant workers.
"These are intended to lay down a foundation for the country's security in various dimensions, so that the people can have safety of life and property. I would like to emphasise that security is a matter concerning everybody in the country," Gen Prawit said.
He said during the transition period all groups of people should cooperate, and do nothing to disrupt the government's efforts.
Gen Prawit asked that the government to be given a little more than one year to lay the groundwork leading to a general election and toward the third stage of the road map to reforms.
"The government does not have any conflicts of interest in performing its duty and does not want to perpetuate its rule," Gen Prawit added.
