"Forward Command Cabinet" On Southern Conflict Begins Work Today - Thai PM

By Mohd Haikal Mohd Isa BANGKOK, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- The newly-established special government panel on the southern conflict began their work Tuesday and has scheduled a trip to the deep south next week as part of their groundwork, said Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha Tuesday. The 13-member panel, which is called the "forward command cabinet", will integrate efforts by various agencies to solve the more than a decade of conflict which have killed about 6,500 people. "They (the special panel) are expected to travel to the south next week," he told the media after chairing the weekly cabinet meeting at the Government House here, Tuesday. The 13-member special panel is headed by deputy defence minister Gen Udomdej Sitabutr. Among its members are deputy education minister Gen Surachet Chaiwong, former chief of army region 4 as well as the head of government panel to the peace process Gen Aksara Kerdphol. Meanwhile Prayut also said, the government was currently studying a proposal from several investors to invest up to 16 billion Baht (US$1=34.7Baht) in the southern provinces. The investors he said, wanted the government to ensure security in southern Thailand before proceeding with their investment in the rubber and halal industry. "They (investors) asked me where are the safe locations to run their business," he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwan when asked about his expectation on the special government panel on the south said, he just wanted the conflict resolved. "I want the problem to be resolved as soon as possible," he told reporters. -- BERNAMA