Host (Mr. Teerat Ratanasevi): Good morning and welcome to ‘PM Yingluck Meets the People Program’. Today our topic discussion will include the on-going, complex situation in the southernmost provinces. In particular, we are going to discuss about various progresses and measures that have been in place. Joining with me today are Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sasiprapa, Education Minister Suchart Tadatamrongvet, NSC Deputy Secretary-General Pol Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanathabut and Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Nattawut Saikua
First of all, I would like to ask the Deputy Prime Minister: What is the current government’s plans or systems in tackling the southern problem?
DPM: In dealing with the southern insurgency, the government has already assigned the Office of the National Security Council under the Southern Border Provinces Development Plan of 2012-2014. The plan was proposed to MPs and Senates. We have subsequently devised 9 different strategic recommendations. The Internal Security Operations Command then deliberated them further with 6 conclusive recommendations and 9 others from the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center. All the recommendations were then finalised and the final 6 recommendations were put into strategic plans subject to approval from all involved agencies, including all the ministries and other 66 agencies involved in the southern situation. With regards to the implementation, the Prime Minister has ordered the set up of a committee under the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) in an attempt to mobilize, assess and encourage action plans among various agencies. There were initially some loopholes in units operating on the ground. As it was, a special operational center was set up to tackle this problem.
Host: Now, I would like to ask NSC Secretary General: As some have pointed out, whether the set up of SBPAC would overlap the current system, and if anything how they are going to work together?
NSC SG: There won’t be any complication so long as this unit is under effective management. The main unit responsible for security is of course the Internal Security Department and development for SBPAC. What the government needs to do is, to see how these two could integrate and work in a systemic approach – this is why a new committee was set up under the chairmanship of the DPM. In effect, this committee needs to come up with workable mechanism in support of SBPAC operation centre under NSC supervision, as it is a central body that is supposed to take care of its state of affairs, in the first place.
Host: So this is the government policy aiming to see all the units work together with supporting organ from all 17 ministries and other 66 agencies as a central command, so to speak. As of now, what is the most eminent concern faced by the government?
DPM: What has appeared to be the number one demand from the people in the area is ‘justice.’ There have 93 cases with demand for justice, equality and, of course, safety. The need for better education for children has also been echoed, as they want their children to be part of civil officers in the area.
Host: A question to the Deputy Secretary-General: Given the visible increase of appearances among these local citizens, do you see it as a positive sign?
NSC DSG: This reaction, I believe, has stemmed from the policy that we are really putting a lot of efforts into. It is the policy that aims to tackle the problem peaceably. To this end, more dialogues were increased so that ideas are heard. By so doing we are also giving a platform to perpetrators so that communication channel can exist. This could bring down violence while at the same time, the Section 21 of the Internal Security Act gives the possibility to pardon those wrongdoers to undergo a series rehabilitation processes.
Host: For the record, have there been more cases like this recently?
NSC DSG: After the policy was initiated, there has been a positive sign as to the number of interaction from the local people, and I can ensure this trend will continue. However, we are in the process of improving screening process by ensuring it is done in a peaceful manner.
Host: Now, I would like to direct this question to the Education minister: What are the fundamental steps and roles of the ministry in reintegrating this group of people into the society?
Mr. Suchart: The main strategy in which we embrace is based upon the model of “understanding, accessible and development,” as the core value which we have upheld since 2005. With the current strategic plan (No.3), which will take place from 2012 to 2016, the education in the southernmost province will have to be on the basis of cultural identity and local norms. In practice, this can be seen from 5 difference dimensions: the improvement in quality education, job creation and security, the life-long learning effort, the building of understanding and education management with concrete outcomes. In other words, among the religious schools or schools that are focused on Islamic religion studies, we need to make sure that teachers are given enough protection with increased salary. As for the students, we need to give an equal treatment like students in other regions. The ministry has recently allocated over 100 million baths in implementing this project. I want to mention that the total budget of 1,700 million baht has been allocated; 4 relevant departments under the ministry have been working hard to ensure the outcomes of the said strategic plans. We aim to provide this so that the people in the south could have equal opportunity in education as people from other regions of the country.
Host: Those having received education in the south now make up a number of teachers in the area?
Mr. Suchart: The truth is self-evident. There are 2,500 teachers alone under the Office of the Basic Education Commission. These teachers had previous background as hourly officers or contracted teachers. So their financial security would be guaranteed if they become government civil servants. In this connection I would like the Cabinet to consider 10% quota of this number.
Host: I want to direct this question to the deputy prime minister: What do you think this would affect the southernmost provinces in a long run?
DPM: Education has been an increasing demand among the local population, particularly with regard to language schools. The Ministry of Education has responded to this need in over 300 schools while it is very much still present and the number is expected to double.
Host: Secretary-General, given repeated incidents, what are some improved measures do you think must take place in order to ensure security of teachers traveling to schools?
NSC DSG: We are implementing this quite stringently with initial responsibility of the National Police Agency under Ministry of the Interior. There was however a lack of the number of officers to engage on the ground, we hence need assistance from the military to operate in this area in order to build confidence among the local. Meanwhile, the government has allocated additional budget to the Royal Thai Police and the Ministry of Interior in adding manpower – more than 4,000 police have been dispatched in addition of initial 2,000 civilians.
Host: Talking about the management side in promoting the vocational training along the education reform, how could the government ensure increased security in the area?
DPM: As of now, the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC) is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives in building career skills to the people. In the regard, there has been an approval in promoting occupation related to livestock among others.
Host: With regard to education, what has been a major demand in curriculum or special kinds of training?
Mr. Suchart: There have been, as I have pointed out earlier, an increased demand in Islamic religion studies as well as the local language. In response to this, 7 different measures have been put in place. This includes government subsidy via scholarships of 7-80% per student, which are currently provided through the private education system. Other measures encompass the local language learning and the improvement of Islamic schools. In particular, we have promoted the improvement of teaching quality while encouraging non-formal education with better technology and learning materials. In the vocational school system, we are in the process of advancing professional training and allow more number of students to enroll.
Host: Now, the question of law enforcement, including the martial law and various emergency decrees –how likely is it that these are going to be lifted?
NSC DSG: There is actually high propensity; this issue was raised recently and there was a consensus between the government and the opposition. Currently, the enforcement of all these special laws: emergency law, security act as well as the martial law have been toned down in 4 districts of Songkhla and Melan district of Pattani. As of now, the government is in the process of determining decisive policy in the assessment of the current situation. I should point out that even it feels as though voiolence takes place every day, the areas in which the incidents have occurred usually cover 12-15% of the total area.
Host: Thank you the Deputy Prime Minister, the Deputy Secretary-General and both Ministers for joining us and sharing your views and updates today!