Only Bt1 billion for far South
The Cabinet approved extra spending of Bt1 billion - half what was requested - for the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) to contain violence in the restive south on Tuesday, a government statement said.
Army chief Sonthi Boonyaratglin, who is also director of Isoc, had requested the government approve an additional Bt2 billion for efforts to restore peace in the deep South, as the previous budget of Bt5.9 billion was running out. Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont defended the reduced budget yesterday, saying the money would mostly be used for allowances for personnel on the ground. The government did not approve the Bt2 billion requested by the Army chief because the current fiscal year is due to end in four months - and Bt1 billion would be appropriate for that time period, he said. The military yesterday beefed up security to protect teachers and children as schools in the troubled region opened for the new semester. In Pattani, provincial governor Panu Uthairat held a meeting with teachers to discuss security measures. Bounsom Thongsriprai, president of the Teacher's Federation in three southernmost provinces, said teachers were ready to do their job despite many not being entirely confident in security measures. Militants always targeted teachers and schools because they were vulnerable, he said. The Nation
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