The government's economic scheme which aims to turn three districts in the restive South into an economic triangle will be discussed with separatist groups, the National Security Council (NSC) says.

NSC secretary-general Thawip Netniyom said the government will discuss the plan with insurgent groups to turn the three districts of the southernmost provinces into economic hubs as well as so-called "100% safety zones".

The districts are Nong Chik in Pattani, Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat and Betong in Yala.

Gen Thawip was speaking Monday after a meeting with a steering committee to address violence in the deep South. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon.

Under the plan called the "Triangle of Security, Sustainability and Wealth", large-scale investments will be earmarked for the districts. Economic activity will be stressed as a tool to cure the chronic violence that flared up in the three provinces in 2004.

Gen Thawip said the government and the insurgent networks were in talks to build mutual trust, adding if safety zones in the selected areas could be established, this would also help draw more investors to the southern region and spur the local economy.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said projects to be launched under the scheme must be proposed to security authorities first to ensure they comply with the government's administrative policy in the South.

Meanwhile, three soldiers were injured and public property damaged in a series of bomb and arson attacks in Yala province Monday.

In Krong Pinang district, assailants fired an M79 grenade at a military base in tambon Krong Pinang, injuring three personnel: Cpl Sirot Thoopsawang, Private Weerayut Majurin and Private Anan Khumpai.

The soldiers were taken to Yala Regional Hospital where their condition was described as satisfactory.

In Bannang Sata district, police and firefighters were sent to a timber factory engulfed by a fire, causing damage worth over 50 million baht. No one was injured.

In Raman district, four closed-circuit cameras were also set on fire.

Source:
courtesy of BANGKOK POST

by Wassana Nanuam & Muhamad Ayub Pathan

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