YALA, 19 March 2015 – Deputy Prime Minister for Security Affairs Gen Prawit Wongsuwan has expressed satisfaction with the progress made by security officials in the Deep South and disclosed that delegates for the next peace dialogue are being chosen.
Gen Prawit paid a visit to the three southern border provinces today to follow up on the works of local security units. The deputy premier announced that he was content after discovering that the number of insurgent activities has been reduced by more than half. He said the improvement signifies higher effectiveness of the cooperation of police, soldiers, state officials and residents.
Nonetheless, the Deputy Prime Minister admitted there are still insurgent members active in certain areas but he pointed out that the situation is heading in a better direction. Regarding the ongoing peace dialogue with separatist groups, he said related agencies are in the process of selecting the most suitable representatives to take part in the upcoming talks.
While visiting Yala, Gen Prawit also chaired a meeting of the Committee to Mobilize Policy and Strategy to Solve Problems in the Southern Border Provinces, with attendants including the Army Chief, related ministers, military commanders, heads of security agencies and provincial governors. During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister stressed the necessity of conducting security operations in parallel with development works and the promotion of public understanding and acceptance.
