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Anutin Charnvirakul and Military Leaders Plan Strategic Shift in Southern Provinces by 2027

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In the far reaches of the southern provinces, a significant transition is on the horizon. The Ministry of Interior, alongside the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc), is gearing up to withdraw military forces by 2027. Their strategy? To empower local volunteer forces to step up and ensure the safety and security of the region. This ambitious plan was formalized recently with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), witnessed by Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Army Commander Charoenchai Hintao.

Minister Anutin shed light on the initiative, emphasizing the MoU as a testament to the collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Interior and Isoc. The goal is clear: to provide the necessary training to volunteer forces, enabling them to effectively relieve the military of their current duties while maintaining public safety. These volunteers, drawn from local communities, already hold a wealth of knowledge about the area and its residents. However, additional training is essential to equip them with the skills needed for defending and maintaining order.

Minister Anutin also highlighted the continuous improvement he and the army chief have observed during their multiple visits. “We are confident the volunteer forces will be prompt in handling their responsibilities when on duty,” he stated with assurance.

General Charoenchai echoed these sentiments, elaborating on the joint efforts currently being conducted in the southern border provinces. The operations here are not solely a military endeavor but a combined effort involving civilians, the police, and the military under the Isoc framework. By 2027, the plan is for Isoc to hand over control to the Department of Provincial Administration, supported by volunteers and the police. The expectation is that the security situation will have improved sufficiently by then. Should it not, the government will need to reassess and devise further plans for the region.

The General acknowledged that the volunteer forces already possess a solid foundation. However, to ensure seamless cooperation and efficiency, joint training sessions are necessary. “Volunteers are a crucial tool for the government in ensuring public safety and providing support,” Gen Charoenchai emphasized.

In a recent announcement, published in the Royal Gazette and signed by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra on September 25th, it was declared that due to the ongoing security concerns in the southern regions, the enforcement of the Internal Security Act will be extended from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. This extension covers 19 districts across four provinces: Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.

The specific districts affected are Yi-ngo, Sungai Kolok, Waeng, and Sukhirin in Narathiwat; Yaring, Panare, Mayo, Mai Kaen, Thung Yang Daeng, Kapho, and Mae Laen in Pattani; Betong, Raman, Kabang, and Krong Pinang in Yala; and Na Thawi, Chana, Thepha, and Saba Yoi in Songkhla.

While the challenges in the South are many, the combined efforts of the government, military, police, and volunteer forces signal a robust approach to tackling these issues head-on. The ultimate aim is a safer and more secure region where the local community plays a pivotal role in maintaining peace and order, demonstrating the power of collaboration and shared responsibility.

34 Comments

  1. Alex T October 1, 2024

    This plan to replace the military with volunteers is reckless. Volunteers can’t match the training and discipline of professional soldiers.

    • Patricia October 1, 2024

      I think it’s a great idea! Local volunteers understand the area better and can build trust with the community in ways the military never could.

      • Alex T October 1, 2024

        Understanding the area isn’t enough, Patricia. They need to be able to respond to threats effectively!

      • John65 October 1, 2024

        But what if volunteers are targeted by insurgents? That could actually increase danger in the region.

    • Lila October 1, 2024

      Why not invest in better training for the volunteers? If they’re well-prepared, it could create more resilient communities.

  2. Samantha October 1, 2024

    It’s good to see a plan that involves more local input. Communities should be empowered to handle their own security.

    • Victor October 1, 2024

      Absolutely. Too often the military imposes rather than collaborates. This could change that dynamic.

    • elderstatesman24 October 1, 2024

      Empowerment is good in theory, but what if these volunteers lack proper accountability? It could spiral out of control.

  3. Carlos M October 1, 2024

    Does anyone else think this is just a cost-cutting measure? Pulling out the military saves money, even if it risks security.

    • MeghanL October 1, 2024

      Carlos, that’s cynical. Maybe it’s both: saving money and investing in the community.

    • Paul October 2, 2024

      It’s always about money, Meghan. Governments don’t make big decisions like this unless there’s financial pressure.

  4. Jasmine October 1, 2024

    Uff, more delays! Why can’t they just solve the security issues now instead of pushing the timeline to 2027?

    • grower134 October 1, 2024

      It’s not that simple, Jasmine. These problems have deep roots and need comprehensive solutions.

    • Jasmine October 1, 2024

      I get that, grower134, but do you really believe volunteers will solve something the military couldn’t?

  5. Liam October 1, 2024

    If they involve more police, there should be extensive anti-corruption measures. Otherwise, it’s just shifting problems.

  6. Jenny K. October 2, 2024

    Why is this still covered under the Internal Security Act? Are they just using ‘security’ as a cover to control the region?

    • Rick October 2, 2024

      Because the threats are real, Jenny. The Act helps in effective coordination and quick actions.

    • Jenny K. October 2, 2024

      Rick, it feels more like they don’t want to give up control. The local voices need to be heard, not suppressed.

  7. Michael J October 2, 2024

    The collaboration between different entities might bring a more holistic approach to security and public trust.

    • Sophie October 2, 2024

      True, but coordination among so many groups can also lead to confusion and bureaucratic delays.

  8. Oliver October 2, 2024

    Will the training provided to volunteers be up to the mark? Otherwise, it’s a disaster waiting to happen.

  9. Nancy October 2, 2024

    What about the current security personnel? Are they being adequately supported during this transition?

  10. Marvin October 2, 2024

    This initiative is long overdue! The local community knows best how to handle their own issues.

  11. Steven H. October 2, 2024

    Any plan that reduces militarization and increases community involvement is a step in the right direction, but execution is key.

  12. Kathy October 2, 2024

    What will they do if security deteriorates after the military leaves? Do they have a backup plan?

    • Paul October 2, 2024

      Good point. The article does say they’ll reassess if things don’t improve, but what will that actually look like?

  13. grower134 October 2, 2024

    I hope this plan encourages other regions facing similar issues to look at local solutions.

  14. Anya October 2, 2024

    It’s a risk, but maybe it’s worth taking if it leads to real change. The people in these provinces deserve better.

  15. Mike October 2, 2024

    History shows that volunteer forces often turn into militias. That’s a dangerous road.

    • Laura October 2, 2024

      Mike, negative examples shouldn’t stop innovation. With proper oversight, this could be a valuable change.

    • Mike October 2, 2024

      I just hope they have strong safeguards in place, Laura.

  16. Carla October 2, 2024

    Let’s not forget the psychological burden on volunteers. Are they getting the support they need?

  17. Jamal October 2, 2024

    Why wait until 2027? If this plan is so beneficial, they should start implementing it sooner.

  18. Marie October 2, 2024

    I think Minister Anutin and General Charoenchai are onto something. Community engagement is always a positive.

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