[Bangkok Post] A former key figure in the Pattani United Liberation Organisation (PULO) has vowed to help tackle the chronic southern insurgency and to assist with economic development in the border provinces. Sama-ae Thanam, who was released from prison on Friday, thanked Thailand's prime minister, the government, the Fourth Army commander and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center for his release. He was paroled after serving nearly 18 years of a 27-year sentence for terrorism.
Sama-ae said he would play a coordinating role in talks with other insurgent groups, and would try to create more understanding among those groups in order to restore peace in the region. He said he was determined to help improve the quality of life of residents in Panare district, where the SPBAC has asked him to oversee a halal industrial estate.
Sama-ae said, "I will work at my fullest capacity. I will invite business operators from Malaysia to help invest in the industrial estate in a bid to generate income and create jobs for local residents."
Sama-ae, a former head of the PULO armed wing was known among other militants as Ismael Gaddafi.
after receiving cash, training and sanctuary from former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi
He was sentenced to life imprisonment for his militant activities in 1997. His sentence was later commuted to 27+ years due to good behavior. While in prison, he cooperated with authorities by advising on ways to deal with the southern insurgency.