SOLDIERS SPREAD WORD OF PEACE

Put away rifles to work as disc jockeys on army-run radio stations

Story by WASSANA NANUAM

Sgt Sathit Krongyuth has discovered a hidden talent: he has emerged as a popular radio host on an army-run station, carrying out community relations work in Pattani.

He is one of 30 soldiers spreading the word of peace in the troubled provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. They put away their M-16 rifles and turn to microphones to entertain Buddhists and Muslims in the deep South.

The soldiers take turns to host music shows aired on Sathaneewitthayu Chumchon (community radio) run by the army.

The army says its radio stations keep local people abreast of the southern situation and address rumours which may create confusion among local Buddhists and Muslims.

Each of the three southernmost provinces has four army-run stations. They broadcast daily from 5.30am to 9.30pm on 107.75 MHz.

The broadcasts include songs, army and government information and news reports about the South.

The 601st Infantry Battalion's 24th task force, where Sgt Sathit works, runs its community radio station at Wat Makrud in Khok Phor district, Pattani. The 40-year-old soldier works as a disc jockey on a music show, but also adds army news to the programme. ``Most news content is about the southern situation. Our programme will create understanding between local people and authorities. Their Majesties the King's and Queen's speeches and community news are also broadcast,'' said Sgt Sathit.

To ease tension, he introduced music, mostly in the folk style. Some listeners call in to request songs.

``Local people mostly request songs about peace or the southern situation. Now, tai romyen (peaceful south) by the Santiparb band is popular,'' he said.

The music radio programme also introduced songs in Yawi dialect for Muslims. Most songs are provided by the army and are about unity and patriotism.

Local Buddhists and Muslims are sometimes invited to co-host the programme.

The disc-jockey soldiers also carry out military duties as normal, providing protection to monks during morning alms-collections and to students and teachers.

They visit local people in the afternoon, and at night they patrol villages.

``Soldiers are duty-bound to provide protection.

At the same time, we are ready to carry out public relations campaigns in all forms to create better understanding among local people,'' said Sgt Sathit.