Thailand's military announced that it plans to construct three bases and training camps in the restive southern provinces. (With Stratfor map)
As part of a strategy to stabilize Thailand’s southern provinces, Thai army chief Gen. Anupong Paochinda announced March 27 that the military is renewing plans to construct three new bases of operation in the troubled region. This step is part of a greater plan to restore peace in the restive south by 2009. The military’s announcement comes just three months after a return to civilian government rule, which suggests a level of cooperation between the military and the government that signifies an end to their feuding of the last several years. An end to feuding in Bangkok means that progress might finally be possible in the troubled south.