PEOPLE`S VOICE IN SOUTHERN PROVINCES WILL BE CONSIDERED - THAI PM ABHISIT

BANGKOK, July 20 (Bernama) -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said
his government would take into consideration the voice of the people in the
troubled southern provinces, in drawing up the new legislation to be passed in
parliament soon.

He acknowledged that such approach was significant to ensure that the
long-standing issues in the three provinces, namely Narathiwat, Yala and
Pattani, would be resolved.

"With the new law that is going to be passed, the government will seek input
directly from the local people in the southern provinces."

Abhisit said this when addressing 14 journalists from Asian countries,
attending a media familiarisation programme here (from July 18-24), at his
office.

More than 3,500 people have died since separatist groups resumed their armed
campaign in January 2005 to seek independence for the three Muslim-majority
provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

Bangkok has despatched more than 60,000 security forces to fight the
insurgent groups that often employ roadside bombing, shooting and other guerilla
tactics.

Abhisit said the Thai government had already held regular talks and
dialogues with the locals including religious leaders in the provinces, on what
they wanted.

He said so far, no individuals or groups had come forward to claim
responsibility whenever a violent incident took place in the southern provinces.

Abhisit said the Thai government had also drawn up a comprehensive
development programme, including on the economy and security for local residents
in an effort to resolve the conflict in the southern provinces.

With various plans in place, he was confident the Thai government was on the
right track to solving the long-standing conflict there.

As addressing issues in the southern provinces is an important part of the
government's policy, the Thai government formed a committee on the development
of the Five Southern Border Provinces Special Zone, chaired by Abhisit, to carry
out various development projects to meet the real needs of the local population.

In October 2009, the Thai government launched a four-year development plan
(2009-2012) for the five southern provinces with a budget of 68.7 billion
baht to support and promote tourism, the fishery industry, rubber and palm oil
production, and the halal food industry.

Meanwhile, ambassador attached to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Isorn
Pocmontri, said violence had reduced in the southern provinces and more local
residents had returned home.

"It's safe to go to the southern provinces if you abide by the law," he
added.
-- BERNAMA