SBPAC chief says inclusion key to ending separatism

SBPAC chief says inclusion key to ending separatism

Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) chief Thawee Sodsong was instrumental in arranging the signing of the "General Consensus on Peace Dialogue Process" on Feb 28 in Kuala Lumpur. The landmark deal paves the way for peace talks between the National Security Council (NSC) and separatist group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN). Mr Thawee discussed his work at his office in Yala.

ROAD WAR: National police chief Pol Gen Adul Saengsingkaew, fourth from left, inspects a bridge in Narathiwat’s Reuso district yesterday where a bomb attack killed three police officers on Friday.

Has the focus of the SBPAC changed?

We support grass-roots and civil society initiatives, so the focus is on their activities more than those of the government. For example, we have asked that the uniforms of Muslim prisoners be altered to be in line with their religious and cultural practices _ they now have longer pants that reach down to the ankles.

We also indirectly help to reduce daily violence and try to build an environment that encourages those who think differently from the government to talk rather than take violent action.

We deal with cultural identity, education, and development aspects of the southern problems. The real issue for people in the region is not development but rather a desire to have a say in their own governance.

You've earned the nickname 'Santa [Claus] Wee', suggesting this government is buying loyalty from the people through the SBPAC. What do you have to say to this?

Nothing at all. Managing the policy for development and administration of the southern border provinces _ as drafted by the NSC and endorsed by the government _ is not always costly. It's more about community engagement and building trust. Even the military shares this view, although they may take a slightly different approach.

Remedies for victims of violence and injustice are an administrative tool but it's not just about the money. We are also considering a proposal to have Islamic deputy governor positions in the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

We have considered several recommendations for the southern problems and would love to hear recommendations being drafted by local civil society groups.

How much has been paid to the victims of the insurgency since 2004?

According to our officials, as of Feb 15, a total of 11,733 people have received 1.96 billion baht between them. This includes money for detainees, state authorities, members of the public and specific cases concerning human rights abuses such as the Krue Se, Tak Bai and Saba Yoi incidents.

What can we expect from the first round of NSC-BRN peace talks on March 28?

The first meeting will be mostly about setting up procedures for future talks, including the endorsement of coordinators, spokespeople, a timeframe for results, and languages to be used in the talks (English, Thai, Malay, or a combination of the three).

There's an argument that without the blessing of fugitive separatist leader Sapae-Ing Basor, the NSC-BRN talks are futile. Is there any substance to this?

Before we signed this deal, several people, including some from other countries, worked hard to support the Thai authorities and bring insurgents to the negotiating table. Malaysia in particular has been working hard to talk to all concerned groups. But no single group can command or give orders to another.

Do you have any concerns?

We have to work to curtail narratives that reproduce a sense of 'otherness' in the deep South, which spawns distrust.

For example, authorities put drivers with licence plates from this area under stricter scrutiny, which breeds feelings of discrimination.

What makes you believe the peace talks will proceed as planned?

The current government has clear policy measures and implements them discreetly while engaging all stakeholders.

We hope society will learn to forgive and move on with more tolerance.

THE FALLEN: The uniforms of three police officers killed in Friday’s bombing attack are placed on trays at a funeral for the victims at Yala’s Muang municipality office yesterday.

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