Army says no to special administrative zone

Peace talks between the government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) may hit the snag as the army is adamantly against the separatist group’s demand for a special administrative zone for the far South.

          Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha recently said that the three southernmost provinces were not ready for self-determination in the form of a special administrative zone because they did not have enough budget of their own and had to rely on budgetary allocation from the government.

          At present, he said, only Bangkok and Pattaya had the status of special administrative zones but for the purpose of tourism.

          Special administrative zone for the deep South is the key and apparently the most controversial of the five demands presented by the BRN to the government’s negotiating team.  This demand was unclear when it was first presented together with the other demands.  It has recently been cleared up in the 38-page clarification in English submitted to the Thai side through Malaysia, the facilitator of the peace talks.

          General Prayuth said  officials would try to explain to local administrators namely kamnan and village headmen that they might lose their monthly pay if special administrative zone becomes a reality in the deep South.

          He alleged that the idea of a special administrative zone was conceived by outsiders whom he declined to name.

          "I know who they are.  Some of them live in the country and others live abroad," said General Prayuth.

          The BRN’s five demands are now being considered by agencies concerned, said the army chief, adding that he was in full agreement with peace talks even if any settlements could not be reached this time or next time, the talks should go on.

          While peace talks are going on, he stressed that there was no letup in military operations to suppress the insurgents.

          Instead of demanding a special administrative zone, the army chief suggested the BRN to lay down their arms which, he noted, would make peace talks smooth and have a better chance of success.

          The National Security Council which is the key player in the peace talks has already received feedbacks from some agencies regarding the English explanation.  The pointed out that there were several hidden conditions which need to be carefully considered as they will put Thailand in a disadvantageous position if the demands are accepted.

          For instance the demand that Malaysia be made the mediator may turn the domestic border problem into an international issue and the demand for the recognition of the Patani Malay territory could amount to the recognition of BRN as a state.

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Caption : Army Commander-in-Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha

Thanks : Photo by Prasert Thepsri form The Nation