Southern army chief’s statements about Islamic schools, attack on MP stoke anger
YALA – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the commander of the 4th Army Area have apologised to the public following a controversy over comments by the latter that have triggered calls for his transfer.
Lt Gen Norathip Phoynok said on Friday that remarks he made linking some Islamic schools to unrest in the deep South may have caused unease due to miscommunication, particularly references to pondok and tadika schools.
He insisted that his intention, as director of the Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Command, was to help restore peace in the southern border provinces.
“I apologise to the public if my communication caused discomfort,” he said.
Lt Gen Norathip said he would step up engagement with educational institutions to improve understanding, noting that security agencies already conduct outreach and activities at schools across the region.
The public was also taken aback by a comment the general made about the attempted shooting of a southern MP and human rights lawyer, when he said: “If it were me, I wouldn’t let him (the MP) survive.”
Mr Anutin he had spoken directly with Lt Gen Norathip, noting the senior officer had been operating under pressure due to security challenges. “I asked whether he was ready to apologise to the public, and he said he was willing to do so with sincerity,” he said.
“I also apologise to the public, in my capacity as director of Isoc, for issues that have caused concern. Today we are addressing every point and ensuring strict legal action where necessary,” Mr Anutin said.
The prime minister made the comment after meeting with representatives of tadika centres, pondok schools and private Islamic institutions during his visit to Yala, where he also attended a meeting at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre.
The group expressed concern over Lt Gen Norathip’s remarks and called for his removal from the area by April 30, though they said the final decision rests with the prime minister.
Mr Anutin reportedly assured the group their concerns would be carefully considered.
In an interview with Thai PBS on Wednesday, Lt Gen Norathip clarified that his comments about the schools referred only to certain institutions and individuals, not the entire system.
He maintained that some cases had arisen in which Islamic teachings were misused, saying that both Isoc and the Ministry of Education should step in to address the root causes of unrest.
Defence Minister Adul Boonthumjaroen defended the southern commander, saying the situation stemmed from communication difficulties rather than intent. He urged the public to show understanding towards officials working under demanding conditions in the field.
“We can talk and resolve misunderstandings. This is not a disciplinary or criminal matter, but a communication issue, and an apology has been made,” Lt Gen Adul said. (Story continues below)
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul (left) walks alongside Narathiwat governor Boonchuay Homyamyen during his visit to the southern border provinces on Friday. (Photo: Narathiwat Public Relations Office)
Shooting investigation continues
Four suspects have been arrested in the attempted assassination of Kamonsak Leewamoh, a Prachachat Party MP for Narathiwat, as authorities continue to hunt for a fifth.
Mr Kamonsak escaped unharmed but his driver and an escort police officer were seriously injured in the attack on March 20. Investigators confirmed that the attackers used a vehicle owned by Isoc, and that it was quickly dismantled after the incident.
Mr Kamonsak is well known for representing people affected by the Southern insurgency as well as unfair treatment by authorities in the border region.
Isoc has an estimated 6,000 personnel nationwide, excluding the South. Most of them are seconded from the army and the police and receive extra stipends for their work with the agency.
The organisation, which has an annual budget of between 7 billion and 10 billion baht, has long faced criticism for lack of transparency, with MPs and others calling for stricter audits of funds used for personnel and special missions.
Its presence in the South under Region 4 is considerably larger, estimated at up to 60,000 personnel. Numbers are also supplemented by paramilitary rangers and local volunteers.