Army Chief:Some groups oppose peace talks in Thai far South

BANGKOK, December 2 (TNA) - Army Chief and Deputy Defence Minister General Udomdej Sitabutr says that the situation in the violence-plagued Thai far South has relieved, but conceding that some insurgency groups remain to create violent unrest to oppose the ongoing peace process. General Udomdej made the comments on Tuesday, telling journalists that Commanding General of the 4th Army Area Command Lieutenant General Prakan Cholayuth, who is tasked with taking care of the southern border region, has intensified security measures to put the situation under control. General Udomdej opined that local opposition is not a big issue and there are attempts to show off potential. Asked whether the violent situation in the Thai deep South will escalate, asThai authorities are preparing the new-round of peace negotiations with representatives of insurgency groups, General Udomdej acknowledged that violent incidents have usually followed a turning point, but the overall situation in the southernmost Thai region during the first 10 months of this year had actually improved in all dimensions, compared with the same period of last year. According to the army chief, preparations for the new-round peace negotiations will not take a long time but some internal operations are being adjusted to ensure progress, while authorities concerned are also waiting for policies from Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-ocha, after his one-day official visit to Malaysia, the facilitator of the peace process in the Thai far South, on December 1. The army chief noted that people in the Thai deep South would enjoy better development, as government agencies would implement development projects which would suit local contexts and demands. (TNA)