PUBLISHED: 27 Feb 2025 at 06: 08
A political scientist at Thammasat University said on Wednesday that the government’s pledge to put an end to the turmoil in the southeastern region by the year has sparked concerns and questions about how it will really resolve the issue.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim made a historical trip to the deep South next Sunday in his ability as an unofficial adviser to the Asean head. He apologized during the visit to Muslim families who lost loved ones during the Narathiwat murder in 2004 while he was perfect secretary. Additionally, he made a pledge to stop the violence in the southern provinces.
” I don’t think anyone wants the turmoil in the south to stop right away,” he said. What matters more is how the problem may get addressed”, said Chayanit Poonyarat, a professor at the University of Political Science at Thammasat University.
She expressed particular concern over Thaksin’s claim that he anticipates positive changes in peace work this year, followed by a year-long total turmoil.
” If we rely on the use of force, tranquility may be partially restored, but that didn’t really address the problem”, she said.
She urged the government to prioritize peace talks with separatist parties as a more lasting strategy for resolving the issue. She also made note of the fact that the earlier peace negotiation team had essentially left its position at the end of the Srettha Thavisin management.
” The continuing unrest is largely a consequence of Thailand’s social instability. Every time a government is replaced, peace talks are constantly scuttled, she said.
She demanded a study to assess the effectiveness of the law in light of the currently in effect disaster order in the far south to stop violence. The conclusions, she said, may be especially useful in determining whether the order may be lifted.
However, Adul Khiewboriboon, chairman of the Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, welcomed Thaksin’s apologies to the people of those who died in the Tak Bai event.
Chayanit: ‘ Speak to protest groups ‘