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 government led by the Pheu Thai Party will take into account Thaksin’s vision for the troubled area.
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 problems with officials in the deep South and encourage a peaceful cultural group.
Mr. Phumtham reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the peace process and urged insurgents to use Ramadan as a test period to put down violence and demonstrate a commitment to peace.
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 touched down 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 detonated.
Thaksin’s first trip to the area since when he was prime minister about 20 years ago. The former prime minister apologized for the 2004 Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat during his tenure as prime minister during Sunday’s visit.
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, which had been delayed due to concerns over whether the Pheu Thai-led government had done enough to ensure 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.