Article 37

Winning over separatists not an easy job, says army

WASSANA NANUAM

The Fourth Army is trying to instil a sense of nationalism in southern separatists but says the mission is difficult.

Soldiers at Ratanapol camp in Klong Hoi Khong district of Songkhla are taking separatists who surrendered to authorities through a 42-day training course.

The first group of 76 finished training on Aug 21 and the second group of 70 finishes tomorrow.

``It's not easy to change separatist attitudes or their dislike of government officials in 42 days but we have tried,'' said Col Chamlong Khunsong, commander of the camp.

Soldiers told the trainees that separatism is impossible in Thailand because most Muslims in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat do not support the idea. Moreover, the former Pattani state did not belong to Muslims but Hindus.

``So it is wrong to think there must be only Muslims and that no other religion belongs in three southern provinces. The idea of an Islamic state there is wrong.

``It must be a place where people of different religions can live side by side,'' Col Chamlong said.

Most trainees disliked government officials and expressed their belief in separatism. About 10% of trainees remained uncooperative.

Most trainees are from Narathiwat and Yala, aged 21-25, and work as labourers and farmers.

The course is an adapted version of military training. Trainees wake at 5.30am for religious practice, exercise at 6am, and then have breakfast.

They sing the national anthem loud before the Thai flag at 8am, and are taught nationalism and Thai history.