[Tlc] T-Southern Thai violence

[justinm at ucr.edu]

Forwarded from Al Valentine.
Thanks,
justin


Go to the link for the video. FYI, the guy you are looking at on your left (left-side of the picture here, the one with the mic in his face) is the guy that was speaking what I assume was Yawi when I listened to the announcement on TV today.  This announcement aired on ALL channels here in Thailand, not just Ch 5.  Look at the bottom right side of the picture, that is 'Ch 9' or what use to be ! Ch 9.  The other guy spoke Thai, somewhat clear Thai with a slight southern accent to some of his words. 

Al

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=5281


Thailand's southern army not told of ceasefire by insurgents
BANGKOK,July 17 (TNA) - The Fourth Army Region, responsible for security affairs in southern Thailand, on Thursda! y expressed surprise as it hadnot been informed before on a ceasefire in the restive South byinsurgentt groups and announced by Gen. Chetta Thanajaro, leader of theRuam Jai Thai Chart Pattana political party, an army spokesman said.
The spokesman said retired Gen. Chetta, a former defence minister,had not informed the Fourth Army Region commander Lt-Gen. VirojBuacharoon about the ceasefire announced by the so-called ThailandUnited Southern Underground (TUSU) group earlier Thursday.

The southern army chief believed that the deal to stop bloodyviolence which has plagued the three restive southern provinces –Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat – was struck by civil society groups andpeople, especially those living in the South, he said.

Despite Thursday's announcement by three men claiming to represent11 groups of insurgents, the military will continue to monitorinsurgent movements until the situation returns to normal, thespokesman said, adding that Army chief Gen. Anupong ! Paochinda had notyet officially responded because the Army brass were taken by surprise.
He said legal action would be taken against outstanding lawbreakers even though violence resulting in death ceases.
More than 3,500 persons have been killed in the three troubledsouthern provinces since renewed violence broke out in January 2004.

Three representatives of the group announced on a pre-recordedtelevised broadcast, saying that they had negotiated a ceasefirebeginning July 14. One of the three men, none of whom were identified,also urged other groups to end their violent activities.

However, the video was not broadcast until Thursday at noon.
Gen. Chetta said earlier that whether the situation in the regionimproves after the pledge by the insurgent groups will be seen in whatactually happens, but that no conditions were given for stopping theviolence.

'There's no political hidden agenda behind the plan,' Gen. Chettasaid. 'I will take responsibility. This ! is considered a good sign andI'm confident the situation would improve compared to before.'

However, Gen. Chetta said he would not guarantee that no violence would erupt in future.

Meanwhile, Boonsom Thongsriprai, president of the Southern BorderTeachers Federation, said  the ceasefire is considered good news forthe people, but they still have to remain cautious because the dailyviolence still continues.
The announcement must be analysed and also studied by senior officials and concerned ministers, said Mr. Boonsom. (TNA) 

______________
Dr. Justin McDaniel
Dept. of Religious Studies
3046 INTN
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521
951-827-4530
justinm at ucr.edu