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98743
Thu, 01/07/2010 - 19:13
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http://m.oananews.org//node/98743
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Thai PM pledges to restore peace in restive South
YALA, Jan 7 (TNA) - Thailand's Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Thursday promised to restore peace in the country's insurgency-torn southern border provinces with an aim to raise household income to at least Bt120,000 (US$3,636) annually under the government's economic stimulus scheme.
The premier commented as he visited predominantly Muslim Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces, which have been rocked by insurgent attacks since 2004, claiming more than 3,700 lives, to follow up the application of the Thai Khemkaeng (Strong Thailand) economic stimulus project and visit security personnel to give them moral support.
He was accompanied by deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban,Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda amid tight security.
Mr Abhisit's schedule began in Narathiwat's Ruso district. He visited projects designed to provide housing and resolve land issues for local residents under the Thai Khemkaeng (Strong Thailand) economic stimulus scheme, then delivered homes to the families of the victims who died or were otherwise severely affected by the insurgent violence.
Warmly greeted by local residents there, the premier promised them that his government will restore peace in violence-wracked region and make each household earn an average Bt120,000 of income each year within the next three years.
Mr Abhisit also expressed his gratitude to local residents who have cooperated with state officials in tackling insurgency in the region.
The premier also presided over a ceremony opening the Highway 418 crossing at the Pattani River, which connects Pattani's Nong Chik district and Yala’s provincial seat, before heading to Military Ranger Regiment 41 in Yala to give moral support to security personnel and listen to a briefing on the insurgency situation in the restive region.
Mr Abhisit said that he has seen progress and witnessed many government policies taking tangible form during his visit, saying that development has reached local people and that better understanding between residents and government officials has been created leading to positive changes in the area.
Meanwhile, suspected insurgents detonated two bombs in the region, a two kg bomb exploding at a rest area 150 metres from the site where the prime minister was scheduled to preside over the ceremony opening the Yala-Pattani highway in the morning, slightly wounding three policemen on his security team, according to the authorities.
A second blast took place about two kilometres away, a more powerful bomb blast that killed a civilian defence volunteer.
Regarding the latest bombings, the premier said the presumed insurgents aimed to cause chaos to show their capability, fearing that his visit will restore confidence among local people.
Mr Abhisit added that the government will review the situation in the far South, if the number of violence attacks decrease, it may consider military redeployment in the area.
The premier also expressed confidence that the government's policies regarding the region will yield more tangible results in the future. (TNA)
The premier commented as he visited predominantly Muslim Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala provinces, which have been rocked by insurgent attacks since 2004, claiming more than 3,700 lives, to follow up the application of the Thai Khemkaeng (Strong Thailand) economic stimulus project and visit security personnel to give them moral support.
He was accompanied by deputy prime minister Suthep Thaugsuban,Transport Minister Sopon Zarum, Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwan and Army Chief Gen Anupong Paochinda amid tight security.
Mr Abhisit's schedule began in Narathiwat's Ruso district. He visited projects designed to provide housing and resolve land issues for local residents under the Thai Khemkaeng (Strong Thailand) economic stimulus scheme, then delivered homes to the families of the victims who died or were otherwise severely affected by the insurgent violence.
Warmly greeted by local residents there, the premier promised them that his government will restore peace in violence-wracked region and make each household earn an average Bt120,000 of income each year within the next three years.
Mr Abhisit also expressed his gratitude to local residents who have cooperated with state officials in tackling insurgency in the region.
The premier also presided over a ceremony opening the Highway 418 crossing at the Pattani River, which connects Pattani's Nong Chik district and Yala’s provincial seat, before heading to Military Ranger Regiment 41 in Yala to give moral support to security personnel and listen to a briefing on the insurgency situation in the restive region.
Mr Abhisit said that he has seen progress and witnessed many government policies taking tangible form during his visit, saying that development has reached local people and that better understanding between residents and government officials has been created leading to positive changes in the area.
Meanwhile, suspected insurgents detonated two bombs in the region, a two kg bomb exploding at a rest area 150 metres from the site where the prime minister was scheduled to preside over the ceremony opening the Yala-Pattani highway in the morning, slightly wounding three policemen on his security team, according to the authorities.
A second blast took place about two kilometres away, a more powerful bomb blast that killed a civilian defence volunteer.
Regarding the latest bombings, the premier said the presumed insurgents aimed to cause chaos to show their capability, fearing that his visit will restore confidence among local people.
Mr Abhisit added that the government will review the situation in the far South, if the number of violence attacks decrease, it may consider military redeployment in the area.
The premier also expressed confidence that the government's policies regarding the region will yield more tangible results in the future. (TNA)
