Candidates list plans for deep South

Shift in strategy key to promote peace

- POST REPORTERS

Political parties are calling for a shift in strategy to address the unrest in Thailand's southern border provinces, stressing dialogue-based conflict resolution, decentralisation and the creation of a new body to drive economic and social development in the region.

The views were shared at a forum called “When the People Vote: Hopes, Realities and the Future of the South”, held at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus yesterday, ahead of the Feb 8 general election.

Speakers from across the political spectrum expressed broad agreement on the need for constitutional reform, tougher action against corruption and online scam networks, and a peace-oriented approach to resolving the long-running conflict in the deep South.