Local leaders in the South will be given a bigger role in helping combat the insurgency in the three southernmost border provinces, because they are the local state authority and understand the problems well, Deputy Prime Minister Chalerm Yubamrung said on Thursday.
At a meeting of security agencies chaired by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Wednesday, Mr Chalerm was appointed director of the operations centre for implementation of policies and strategies for solving problems in southern border provinces.
He admitted to being heavy-hearted at being given the assignment.
Mr Chalerm said that previously the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) was responsible for development, and the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) for security.
Most of the soldiers operating in the troubled areas were from other regions and the size of the force had dwindled. This problem should be solved, he said.
Mr Chalerm said he would give local leaders, be they kamnan (tambon chiefs) or village chiefs (phuyaiban), a bigger rolein coping with the problems, as they knew the area better than other people.
Local leaders could be of much help, including in the field of intelligence gathering, he said, adding that he would consult with provincial governors on this matter.
Mr Chalerm said he would also seek help from other people well-versed in the situation in the South. They included former deputy interior minister Thavorn Senneam of the Democrat Party, former prime minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, Den Tomeena, Wan Muhamad Nor Matha, Areepen Uttarasin, and Aziz Pitakkhumpol, who is the Chularatchamontri or leader of Thai Muslims.
The operation centre he chairs would assess its work every six months, Mr Chalerm said.