Popular peacemaker earns fond farewell

Yala: Representatives of those who supported the secretary-general of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SPBAC), who was recently transferred to the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, asked the cabinet to review the order.

Manayi Wapi, a local representative, said that people had first been sceptical of Rear Adm Somkiat Ponprayoon because of his military role. However, he had proven over time that his attempts to promote peace and solve drug problems were genuine.

“A lot of people in the southernmost provinces were saddened by the news of his transfer. We still want to see Rear Adm Somkiat help local people because he has understood problems in the area well,” Mr Manayi said.

Mr Manayi was among a group of local people and representatives who turned up to say goodbye to…