WRITER: MUHAMMAD AYUB PATHAN & WASSANA NANUAM
A network of Buddhists in the far South has called for a relaxation of special security laws in the insurgency-plagued region following an agreement between the government and insurgent groups to create safety zones.
The call comes after Mara Patani, an umbrella organisation of insurgent groups in the deep South, which held talks with Thai negotiators in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Tuesday, said both sides had agreed to set up safety zones in five districts in the three southernmost provinces.
The deal covers one district in Pattani, two in Yala and two districts in Narathiwat, the group said without naming the districts.
It remains unclear whether they are the same districts earlier proposed as safety zones by Thai authorities. These were Sungai Kolok and Cho Airong districts in Narathiwat, Bannang Sata and Raman districts in Yala, as well as Sai Buri district in Pattani.
Rukchart Suwan, head of the Buddhist Network for Peace, said it is important to look at the chosen areas as to whether they are rife with violence and both sides can control their forces.
Civil groups would also have to go into these areas to create peace, he said, adding they could tell locals that their safety zone would mean violence will end.
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