PUBLISHED: 25 Feb 2025 at 06: 02
Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s views on restoring harmony to the strong west have been supported by deputy prime minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who has urged rebels to end murder during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Mr Phumtham, who also serves as defence secretary, quoted Thaksin as saying that restoring harmony in the region will need assistance from Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia, with good advances expected this month.
He claimed that the former prime minister believes there is “light at the end of the tunnel” and that the Pheu Thai Party-led state will take into account Thaksin’s vision for the troubled place.
The deputy prime minister’s visit to the area was reportedly made by Thaksin as an informal adviser to the Asean head to examine security issues with profound South officials and promote a peaceful cultural group.
Mr. Phumtham urged insurgents to use the holy month of Ramadan as a test period to stop violence and demonstrate a commitment to peace. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the peace process.
He blasted the bombing that occurred at the Narathiwat airport shortly before Thaksin arrived on Sunday, saying that the government’s efforts to achieve peace were not hindered by violence.
Just before Thaksin’s delegation landed on Sunday morning, a bomb that was hidden in a firefighter’s pickup truck parked close to the control tower at Narathiwat airport in Muang district exploded.
Thaksin’s first trip to the area since when he was prime minister about 20 years ago. The former prime minister apologized during his visit on Sunday for the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat that took place while he was prime minister.
His administration’s handling of southern border security issues was tainted by several major controversies, including the Tak Bai tragedy that resulted in the deaths of 85 people.
Meanwhile, People’s Party ( PP ) MP Romdon Panjor on Monday questioned Thaksin’s apology for the Tak Bai incident, suggesting that sincerity requires both words and actions.
He claimed the apology came four months after the Tak Bai case’s statute of limitations ended in October amid concerns over whether the Pheu Thai-led government has done enough to bring about justice.
Mr Romdon also noted Thaksin’s visit was more about political and security matters while those of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, tended to focus on economic development.