On resolving the issues near the Thai-Malaysian borders, Thaksin’s report in the Deep South speaks for itself. He is best remembered for dismissing rebels as “petty thieves” and acting on imperfect knowledge during his tenure as prime minister, leading to a series of radical policies that sharply escalated tensions between rebel groups and the village’s safety forces.
In October 2024, under his mother’s state, the statute of limitations expired for those concerned for the Tak Bai murder, allowing them to walk completely without responsibilities. Four months later, in a traditional visit to Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat, Thaksin apologised for his earlier activities, but his thoughts may ring dull as long as his daughter’s state makes no effort to seek justice for the patients ‘ people.
Chance OF ERODING MALAYSIA’S Trust
If Anwar’s plan is for Malaysia to enjoy a more effective role in mediating peace talks in Thailand’s Deep South, involving or associating with Thaksin is not just ill-advised- it risks more eroding Malaysia’s credibility in a process where its neutrality is currently unclear to begin with.
Some analysts note that Malaysia has nothing to lose from a low-intensity conflict: It prevents Thailand from exerting full control of the Deep South, while avoiding the direct spillover of refugees heading southward into Malaysia.
The Anwar-Thaksin deal only makes sense for Thaksin: It gives him a way back into regional diplomacy and a chance to rehabilitate his image after forging a toxic alliance that tarnished his political brand. Most importantly, the deal provides Thaksin a convenient excuse to get court approval to travel abroad if things go south back home.
Napon Jatusripitak is a Visiting Fellow and Acting Coordinator of the Thailand Studies Programme, ISEAS- Yusof Ishak Institute. This commentary first appeared on the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute’s blog, Fulcrum.