4th Army chief vows focus on deep South
ANTI-DRUG DRIVE, BEEFED UP SECURITY WILL ‘EASE UNREST’
>> The new chief of the 4th Army Region means business when he vows to ramp up efforts to ensure safety for people in the violence-plagued deep South.
Lt Gen Pornsak Poonsawat, who took up the post early last week, said soldiers are taking proactive measures with a focus on increased security patrols not only in vulnerable spots, but also in neighbourhoods, and they are packed for overnight stays in the villages.
“Patrols are being beefed up and unit commanders are also out there with their men. I’m ready to do the same too. It’s what I’ve been doing since my first years in the army,” he said.
He said trying out a political solution before taking military action is essential in restoring peace to the region and this operation is expected to engage the community in peace-building efforts.
Security officers will gather input about residents’ concerns and suggestions about how to improve the situation and restore peace to the violence-torn region, he said.
“We no longer head back to the bases when night falls only to let militants plant bombs that will go off in the morning.” he said.
“It’s time to bring in an element of surprise. We have to stay ahead of insurgent militants’’.
Lt Gen Pornsak last week travelled to the three southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat and Pattani to lay down policies to his men and meet local leaders and residents to listen to their opinions about how to solve the southern unrest.
On his first day he visited Aziz Pitakkhumpol, the Chularatchamontri — Thailand’s Muslim spiritual leader — and vowed to double efforts to combat narcotics in the South.
Drug trafficking is also known to have hindered the government’s efforts in tackling unrest in the deep South.
He said the anti-drug drive has received blessings and support from various parties, especially the police and the Office of Narcotics Control Board.
Under the plan, a drug suppression centre will be established in every district and officials will be deployed to operate in all tambons around the clock. Rehabilitation programmes will also be opened for drug users.
According to Lt Gen Pornsak, efforts should pay off in three months.
“I’m a man of focus and determination and the southern region is my home. I was born in Surat Thani and I’ve worked in the region since 1983. I’ve learnt the ropes and intend to pass it on to my subordinates,” he said.
The new commander insisted the government’s “Pha Khon Klab Ban” (Bring People Home) scheme aimed at helping former insurgents reintegrate into society will continue because it is part of peacebuilding efforts.
Lt Gen Pornsak has been involved in the programme from the beginning. He said the project, which was introduced in 2012, provides a chance for people wanting to give up their armed struggle to fight charges against them and to prepare them for a return to society.
“The charges against them don’t just go away. They have to undergo the justice administration process and fight the charges in court, but they don’t have to run or hide any more,” he said.
The new chief said he believes the active insurgent group in the deep South is the Barisan Revolusi Nasional whose representatives take part in peace talks with Thai authorities.
He expressed confidence that a change of approach and tactics should further improve the situation, stressing that he will also carry on with the initiatives of his predecessor, Lt Gen Piyawat Nakwanich, especially economic and tourism development schemes.
He is taking the use of mobile phones and seatbelts seriously and it is all for safety.
He said he is not telling them not to use the phones, but instead asking them to use only as necessary because it can be a distraction.
“As for seatbelts, some people feel being strapped to their seats exposes them to harm [when they are under attack]. But there are cases of people getting hurt or killed because they don’t wear seatbelts,” he said.
“I’m a man of focus and determination and the southern region is my home. I’ve learnt the ropes. 4TH ARMY REGION CHIEF, LT GEN PORNSAK POONSAWAT