Isoc granted only Bt1 bn for South
The Cabinet yesterday approved extra spending of Bt1 billion - half what was requested - for the Internal Security Operation Command (Isoc) to contain violence in the restive South, 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, 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 opened for the new semester in the region. Bounsom Thongsriprai, president of the Teachers' Federation in the three southernmost provinces, said teachers were ready to do their jobs despite many not being entirely confident in security measures.
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