Prem gives message of love to South

Privy Council President General Prem Tinsulanonda said everybody in the country loved people in the predominantly Muslim South and were trying hard to bring love to the violence-hit region.

Speaking to 241 youths from the restive South under the project "Weaving Thai Hearts for the South" (Sai Jai Thai Sou Jai Tai), Prem said when there is love, people can do anything for the nation. "Love of the nation can be achieved in the way we are doing," he told the youths.

Elders in this country have the same obligation, to raise children to be good citizens, he said. Children of any religion can grow up to do good things for the country, he said.

"This is not written in the Constitution, but we have to be conscious that it is our duty," he said.

"What we have to do in our country is have love and unity. All of us here, the commanders and heads of all units, love our children [from the South] and that is our clear message to you," Prem said.

"Love is important, it will bring peace, happiness and success," he said. "I beg all of you here to love them and make them good citizens," Prem said to the audience, which also included former prime minister Surayut Chulanond, Army commander Prayuth Chan-ocha, Navy commander Surasak Rounregnrom, Air Force commander Prachin Jantong and National Police chief Adul Saengsingkaew.

"Shall we tell the children to love each other, love their parents, love their communities, love their professions and love our country?" he said. "This is not others' country, it's our nation. We are all Thai, we have to love our country to make it peaceful, strong, secured and developed," he said.