Thai DPM:More insurgents will surrender

BANGKOK, September 20 (TNA) - Deputy Prime Minister General Yuthasak Sasiprapa says that many more insurgents in the Thai far South have expressed their intention to surrender in order to join the government in forging the peaceful development in the southern border region. General Yuthasak told journalists on Thursday that he, however, agrees with many parties, including the opposition, to limit comments on the insurgents' defection plans until they are fully confirmed. According to the deputy premier charged with national security, Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra is expected to officially approve the setting up of the government’s southern command center by September 20-21. The Thai deputy premier assured that the new command center would not duplicate other agencies, but it would integrate solutions for violence-plagued southern border areas, especially intelligence, noting that insurgency in the Thai deep South is relieving. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Air Chief M Sukumpol Suwanatat echoed the same view that violent unrest in the southernmost insurgency-stricken region is relieving, acknowledging, however, that solutions to the southern border violence would take some times, given its sensitivity. The defence minister praised 93 insurgents who recently turned themselves in to the 4th army area commander for their courage, assessing that more insurgents should soon follow suit. Regarding a recent discussion on proposed solutions to the Thai far South between the government and the main opposition Democrat Party, the defence minister revealed that both sides shared same ideas, especially the necessity for policymakers to have clear directions to ensure effective work of local security officers at the operational level. (TNA)