Bangkok, 21 Syawwal 1437/26 July 2016 (MINA) – Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha visited the country’s “deep south” on Monday (Jul 25) to unveil economic plans for a region troubled by violence.
Mr Prayut was accompanied by Defence Minister Prawit Wonguswan and Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, an indicator of his focus for the visit – security and the economy, CNA reported.
In its plans for the economy, the military government unveiled a sweeping six-year plan for the three troubled southernmost provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. These provinces will be developed into zones promoting agro-industry, sustainable energy and cross-border trade with Malaysia.
The government has also awarded residents there with plots of lands, in an attempt to win over the hearts and minds of locals.
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On the issue of security, no specific announcements were made. However, Mr Prayut’s visit comes after an increase in attacks in the south by insurgent groups.
The predominantly Muslim area has seen more than a decade of violence and more than 6,500 people have been killed since 2004, most of them civilians. T/R07/R01)
Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)
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