Chalerm not the right choice for the far South

Published: 31 Jul 2012 at 12.30
Online news: Opinion

My sincere best wishes to Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung on his unenviable new assignment -- ordered by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra to take charge of efforts to end the violent unrest in the three southernmost border provinces and four districts of Songkhla. Welcome to the deep South and good luck!

The outspoken Pheu Thai MP was instructed to explore ways to solve the problems in the far South and to work closely with the National Securiy Council and with Suranand Vejjajiva, secretary-general of the Prime Minister’s Office.

Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung (L) and Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)

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SteveCM
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Discussion 17 : 01 Aug 2012 at 11.3117
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I'm puzzled by Veera's suggestion that the army will somehow not be involved. I've found no other reference that supports it. It's also contradicted by today's report* that a "new command centre will comprise all agencies involved in the fight to quell violence in the southern including the Internal Security Operations Command, which will serve as a key unit at the centre."

* http://www.bangkokpost.com/breakingnews/305413/sukumpol-wants-aircraft-for-south
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commonman
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Discussion 16 : 01 Aug 2012 at 07.3316
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Since the man in question has never succeeded in any of his campaigns to clean-up or solve anything, it makes perfect sense to give him a job that suits his experience.
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ringmaster
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Discussion 15 : 01 Aug 2012 at 01.3915
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To Veera's question... "How can they be successful, or achieve anything concrete, if they keep the task to themselves and the NSC without involving the military, which is the key player in the region?

Not involving the military may not be such a bad thing as they are, arguably, part of the problem. Chalerm may not be successful, it's a very difficult task he has. But he should be given a chance.

BTW, comments like sending Jatuporn being a win-win solution and hoping the insurgents get Chalerm's itinerary are actually rather insightful. I'll give them both a thumbs up - not because I agree with them but because they effectively expose the true nature of some of this government's opponents. Well done!
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shopwow
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Discussion 14 : 01 Aug 2012 at 00.1514
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Khun Veera I normally admire your straightforward talk - but on this one, let us here my take. Charlerm doing nothing in Bangkok, catching drivers drug vans and cars, no big fish ever caught. Obsessed with helping his sons and also helping Thaksin come back clean. Did nothing when Chuvit caught a big gambling center run by one influential person undoubtedly close to the PT. So it is it not time that he went South and tackled some solid problems? If he is not capable of that, what is he capable of? See the DSI under him, earlier chasing terrorists, now running after dealers selling palm oil at 2 baht more than the price allowed. Lets stop falling lower than this - let the big guns prove what they are worth. They have the numbers, they won the elections, they have the quantity BUT do they have the quality? Does a majority translate into capabilities? Let it all become clear.
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mitrapaap
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Discussion 13 : 01 Aug 2012 at 00.0713
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Well, that may keep him busy for a while. Less time to come up with plans on how to get Thaksin back or the constitution re-written. We all know he is talking too much, maybe that's her way to silence him a little bit. And if he screws up with his new duty, then she can finally get rid of him. Smart, really.
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lazar
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Discussion 12 : 31 Jul 2012 at 21.1512
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He looks like a midget next to her, or is she standing on an orange box?

Yea D10 good call. Send the mouth from the south there too.
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genii
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Discussion 11 : 31 Jul 2012 at 21.0911
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Many have tried to clean up the south and all failed. One cannot do this alone so hopefully everyone will pitch in and help. Take the fight off the streets and get it around the table for a dialog that just may bring agreements and peace.
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geoffo
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Discussion 10 : 31 Jul 2012 at 20.4410
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D10 Jacksprat. you are right, sending Jatuporn would be a win win solution.
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jacksprat
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Discussion 9 : 31 Jul 2012 at 19.209
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@Geffo - Abhisit's cousin has always been on the opposite side. He was a cabinet minister under Thaksin. No big surprise here. But instead of putting Chalerm in charge, why didn't Yingluck send Jatuporn. After all, he is from the south.
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bkk-farang
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Discussion 8 : 31 Jul 2012 at 18.288
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@faceless #3: There are a couple of big differences between Ratchaprasong and the South. Here are a few:
- Thaksin organized the Bangkok rally, he did not authorize anything in the south
- Thaksin and friends wanted international news in Bangkok but they don’t want any coverage of the south
- The Southern insurgents fight for the “wrong” independence
- Any dead red-shirt is a big issue, any dead southerner just part of the statistic
- And to make the list not too long: Who really cares about the south? They will never vote for the Shinawatras or Chalerm!
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