Following heavy criticism about a plan to establish a special administrative zone in the Interior Minister Chalerm Yoobamrung explained that he called off the plan to hold a public hearing on the issue in the three southern border provinces of Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat to avert any conflict or controversy. Welfare and benefits to local government officials will be one of key elements in the government approach to tackle the continuing
Mr. Chalerm made the about-turn decision only two days after he floated the idea to hold public hearings in the Muslim-predominant region for local residents to determine whether some form of autonomy should be given to the area. However, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej poured cold water on the idea, warning that it was a "delicate issue" and that his government would adopt its policy to tackling the continuing violence in the region only after first discussing the matter with military leaders.