ID :
12840
Thu, 07/17/2008 - 18:52
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/12840
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Thailand's southern army not told of ceasefire by insurgents
BANGKOK, July 17 (TNA) - The Fourth Army Region, responsible for security affairs in southern Thailand, on Thursday expressed surprise as it had not been informed before on a ceasefire in the restive South by separatist groups and announced by Gen. Chetta Thanajaro, leader of the Ruam Jai Thai Chart Pattana political party, an army spokesman said.
The spokesman said retired Gen. Chetta, a former defense minister, had not informed the Fourth Army Region commander Lt-Gen. Viroj Buacharoon about the ceasefire announced by the so-called Thailand United Southern Underground (TUSU) group earlier Thursday.
The southern army chief believed that the deal to stop bloody violence which has plagued the three restive southern provinces – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – was struck by civil society groups and people, especially those living in the South, he said.
Despite Thursday's announcement by three men claiming to represent 11 groups of insurgents, the military will continue to monitor insurgent movements until the situation returns to normal, the spokesman said, adding that Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda had not yet officially responded because the Army brass were taken by surprise.
He said legal action would be taken against outstanding lawbreakers even though violence resulting in death ceases.
More than 3,500 persons have been killed in the three troubled southern provinces since renewed violence broke out in January 2004.
Three representatives of the group announced on a pre-recorded televised broadcast, saying that they had negotiated a ceasefire beginning July 14.
One of the three men, none of whom were identified, also urged other groups to end their violent activities.
However, the video was not broadcast until Thursday at noon.
Gen. Chetta said earlier that whether the situation in the region improves after the pledge by the insurgent groups will be seen in what actually happens, but that no conditions were given for stopping the violence.
"There's no political hidden agenda behind the plan," Gen. Chetta said. "I will take responsibility. This is considered a good sign and I'm confident the situation would improve compared to before."
However, Gen. Chetta said he would not guarantee that no violence would erupt in future.
Meanwhile, Boonsom Thongsriprai, president of the Southern Border Teachers Federation, said the ceasefire is considered good news for the people, but they still have to remain cautious because the daily violence still continues.
The announcement must be analysed and also studied by senior officials and concerned ministers, said Mr. Boonsom.
The spokesman said retired Gen. Chetta, a former defense minister, had not informed the Fourth Army Region commander Lt-Gen. Viroj Buacharoon about the ceasefire announced by the so-called Thailand United Southern Underground (TUSU) group earlier Thursday.
The southern army chief believed that the deal to stop bloody violence which has plagued the three restive southern provinces – Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – was struck by civil society groups and people, especially those living in the South, he said.
Despite Thursday's announcement by three men claiming to represent 11 groups of insurgents, the military will continue to monitor insurgent movements until the situation returns to normal, the spokesman said, adding that Army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda had not yet officially responded because the Army brass were taken by surprise.
He said legal action would be taken against outstanding lawbreakers even though violence resulting in death ceases.
More than 3,500 persons have been killed in the three troubled southern provinces since renewed violence broke out in January 2004.
Three representatives of the group announced on a pre-recorded televised broadcast, saying that they had negotiated a ceasefire beginning July 14.
One of the three men, none of whom were identified, also urged other groups to end their violent activities.
However, the video was not broadcast until Thursday at noon.
Gen. Chetta said earlier that whether the situation in the region improves after the pledge by the insurgent groups will be seen in what actually happens, but that no conditions were given for stopping the violence.
"There's no political hidden agenda behind the plan," Gen. Chetta said. "I will take responsibility. This is considered a good sign and I'm confident the situation would improve compared to before."
However, Gen. Chetta said he would not guarantee that no violence would erupt in future.
Meanwhile, Boonsom Thongsriprai, president of the Southern Border Teachers Federation, said the ceasefire is considered good news for the people, but they still have to remain cautious because the daily violence still continues.
The announcement must be analysed and also studied by senior officials and concerned ministers, said Mr. Boonsom.
