BANGKOK — The army chief directed a strong statement today at the culprits of the recent grenade attacks against anti-government protesters, reminding them that acts of terrorism belong only in Thailand’s deep south.
“Violence does not solve our problems, and acts of violence will not be tolerated in the kingdom,” said General Prayuth Chan-ocha at a press conference. “Except in the two most southernmost provinces, that is, where violence will be ignored.”
With both sides in the current political impasse blaming each other for the recent grenade attacks, and the deadlock escalating towards a potential crisis point that some believe may lead to civil war, Prayuth attempted to defuse the tensions by assuring Bangkok’s citizens that the military would preserve peace at all costs in every city north of Hat Yai.
“The death of even one protester is unacceptable,” he said, referring to People’s Democratic Reform member Prakong Chuhan, who died of injuries sustained in last Friday’s attack.
“Rest assured we will treat it as a far greater crime than the deaths of 7,300 people in the south who have been bombed, shot, and beheaded since 2002.”
Prayuth ruled out a military coup, however.
“We are committed to peace and the welfare of all Thais not living in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala,” he said. “The army will maintain order for both government functions as well as peaceful protests, and prevent more bloodshed and chaos.”
“That is,” he added, “except for the South, where bloodshed and chaos will be the undiscussed norm for years, in accordance with our policy.”
