Thailand made another positive signal toward the peace process in the Deep South when the police revealed that another elderly jailed insurgent will be granted early release.
Pol Lt Gen Anurut Krisanakaraket, Director of Southern Border Provinces Police Operation Centre (SBPOC), revealed in an Isara News Agency report on Tuesday that the SBPOC will propose to the Justice Ministry that an early release be granted to Da-o Maseng, better known as Haji Da-o Thanam, a former member of Patani United Liberation Organization (PULO), who has been in jail for 18 years for rebellion.
On Monday 27 July, the SBPOC director visited Da-o at Pattani Central Prison and explained the process and conditions of the early release program. The police said Da-o has been well-behaved and is aging, so he deserves to spend the rest of his life with his family.
Pol Lt Gen Anurut added that the release is likely to take place in August. Da-o said he will live in Panare District of Pattani after his release.
“When there are people volunteering to help develop the area, we should appreciate it. He also told me that regarding security matters, he is no longer interested, but wishes to do good for the peace of the country,” Isara News quoted the police officer as saying. “I believe he has changed now.”
Earlier on 17 July, or the Muslim Eid al-Fitr (Feast of Breaking the Fast), Ma-ae Sa-a, aka Haji Sama-ae Thanam, another PULO member, was released. Ma-ae told Prachatai in Pattani that “The only way to solve the protracted conflict in this area is to hold open discussions about it. The discussions should follow His Majesty the King’s royal initiatives of understanding, accessing, and developing the people.”
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