Violence falls 70% in deep South

Violence falls 70% in deep South

The security situation in the deep South has improved over the last eight years, according to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC).

Chanathan Saengphum, assistant to the SBPAC's secretary-general, said the overall situation is better with the number of violent incidents in the region decreasing by 70% since 2011.

Citing figures compiled by the Forward Command of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), this year has witnessed 140 violent incidents, compared with 619 in 2011.

The remark came as the slogan "Patani Merdeka" was found painted on roads in tambon Ban Rae in Yala's Than To district yesterday morning. The word merdeka means independence.

Mr Chanathan said several factors have contributed to the improvement in the region including greater transparency in the administration of justice and wider public engagement in the government's roadmap for restoring peace and order in the region.

Local people see that violence is obstructing development and their livelihoods and they have publicly denounced the use of violence and demanded development and a peaceful approach in resolving the conflict, he said.

Many have taken an active role in security operations to defend their communities from insurgent attacks, he said, adding this can be seen in the form of village protection units and civilian defence volunteers.

Despite a decrease in violence, he said, militants still recruit youngsters and use other motives than political ideology to incite violence including business conflicts among interest groups.

Mr Chanathan said economic development and education remain key challenges in the deep South, which covers Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat.

"These issues are intense because violence over the years has eroded investors' confidence," he said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will visit Thailand today.

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