Speed Up Cooperation To Restore Peace In South Provinces, Says Prayuth

By Piyarat Nisangkard BANGKOK, June 17 (Bernama) -- The situation in the southern provinces of Thailand has improved and all parties need to speed up cooperation to restore peace to enable economic activities to run smoothly, said Thailand Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan-ocha. "The southern border region has lost some economic opportunities as many investors wanted to do businesses, particularly with the establishment of Asean Economic Community before year-end but the conflict had hindered business activities," he told reporters here Tuesday. However, he said, the situation in the south was improving and the process for peace talk was under way. Officials have been contacting the insurgent groups, he said. He said there would be no extra or special security measures in the provinces in the south during the coming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan which will start on Thursday. "The security measures already in place in the areas will ensure the safety of everybody," he said. The Army Region Four in the south has imposed a ban on firecrackers in the southern border provinces during Ramadan, effective seven days before the Ramadan month until the end of the fasting month. In the previous years, there had been efforts by Muslim groups and the authorities to halt violence and ensure peace during the fasting months, but with limited success. -- BERNAMA