TNAG-0561-FCO40-656-Review-of-narcotics-problem-in-Hong-Kong-1975 — Page 177

FAGE &

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Meo hilltribes against Thai officials or army are often

described as communist insurgency. They are much more

likely to be about genuine grievances resulting from mal-

administration.

16. In the past such reports might have served as the basisi

for extracting more aid from Thailand's SEATO allies. Now

that such aid is harder to come by, Thailand appears less

concerned about these troubles. This indifference arises

from the realisation that aid is not going to be stopped

up whatever is said about these problems.

s

17. Indifference on the part of Thai officials to rural

problems should not be taken roofthat the problems

are not serious. They are serious but the indications are

that they are not closely linked with communism. No doubt

there are agitators in Thaişind who seek to set up a

communist government. The majority of such people are already

in the capital city or in universities, having sensibly and

correctly decided that they are the only places where they

are likely to make any headway.

J.

18. There are plenty of rural people, both Thai and of other stock, who have cause to resent malpractices by Thai officials. Fortunately, in my view, the people with cause for resentment

are unlikely to be interested in political ideology. Nor are

they likely to be a focus for national discontent, although

students, at communist instigation, have not overlooked the propaganda possibilities offered by genuine grievances among

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