The Internal Security Operations Command (Isoc) Region 4 Forward Command yesterday dismissed reports that money was being offered in the "Bring People Home" project, insisting participants who face criminal charges are prosecuted.
Col Pramote Prom-in, spokesman for Isoc Region 4 Forward Command, said the scheme has recently come under heavy criticism as a result of distorted information that has caused misunderstandings and confusion.
There were fake reports circulating that criminal charges against participants would be dropped and that they would each receive 1 million baht in cash as a handout, he said.
Col Pramote said the "Bring People Home" project introduced in 2012 was to provide a chance for people wanting to give up their armed struggle to fight charges against them and to prepare them for reintegration into society.
The participants are required to undergo a process in which they would be stringently vetted, take part in attitude adjustment, and receive occupational training and other assistance.
He said participants with outstanding arrest warrants would undergo the criminal justice process and were not offered any incentives to join the programme.
A total of 5,427 people have so far signed up for the scheme since 2012, and this year has seen 775 people report to security officials to register for the programme.
Of the total number, 122 had fled across the border to avoid prosecution.
This group must first undergo a nationality verification process before they can join, he said.
According to Col Pramote, the scheme also received good feedback from several victims of southern violence and praise from the international community including the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
"The Bring People Home project not only helps curb violence but also wins plaudits from international organisations such as the OIC because it is a peace-driven initiative and in compliance with human rights principles.
"With this project, the insurgents also gain more confidence in state use of power and the justice system," he said.
Col Pramote also urged the public not to share distorted information about the scheme and to contact Isoc officials in their areas directly if they have any inquiries.
