Authorities discuss public relations in Thai far South

BANGKOK, June 12 (TNA) - Defence Minister Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol Suwanatat called a meeting with agencies concerned in Bangkok on Wednesday morning to discuss public relations plans to help solve problems in the violence-plagued Thai far South. Those attending the meeting include representatives of 16 agencies concerned, namely Minister Attached to the Prime Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan. Air Chief Marshal Sukumpol told reporters that Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has ordered him to directly handle public relations in the troubled Thai deep South, as the situation in the southernmost Thai region are among five main areas the prime minister considers important. The defence minister said he will propose that exhibitions be held nationwide, beginning in Bangkok, to publicize useful information, and that former insurgents who now turn to support the government be invited to discuss their stories, as people nationwide should know about southern woes and lend a helping hand to solve the problems. The defence minister also confirmed that the third-round peace negotiations between the Thai government and representatives of insurgent groups in the southern border region will be held on June 13 as scheduled, during which the Thai team, led by Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC) Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanathabutr, will demand a truce during Ramadan, Muslims’ fasting month, as local Muslims want. (TNA)