Puntham second wants to stop the crime.
PUBLISHED: 7 Does 2025 at 05: 42
The Thai government has stated that it is prepared to engage in peace negotiations to end the strong South’s growing rebellion.
Phumtham Wechayachai, the defense minister, condoled the continued violence in the southern provinces on Tuesday, expressing his condolences to the victims of both the Muslim and Buddhist lands.
Mr. Phumtham criticized the attacks on civilians, including those against priests, babies, and the elder as being particularly cruel, and he also emphasized the government’s willingness to engage in peace talks.
He cited a peace-related partnership that was reached between Malaysian Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and former prime minister Anwar Ibrahim during the latter’s formal visit to the neighbouring country last year.
Mr. Phumtham, who is also a lieutenant premier, claimed he finally did it.
He added, however, that Thailand would not negotiate with any organization that is still using force and that it may see evidence that the assault may be stopped before negotiations begin.
Mr. Phumtham resisted the notion of a distinct Pattani position and emphasized that the negotiations may fall within the Thai constitution under the monarchy.
He added that Thailand is also ready to impose strategic rules on local authorities, officers, and the military.
He made it clear that “proactive operations” do not entail murder but greater security, quicker response times, and presence in high-risk areas to protect citizens.
Additionally, Mr. Phumtham emphasized the value of cooperation and multiculturalism, noting that both religious groups have previously coexisted peacefully.
He applauded debate about local self-government, as long as it is done within Thailand’s legal framework.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Phumtham reaffirmed the necessity of stopping crime as a prerequisite for development and urged all events to be open and realistic about addressing the conflict’s source.
Sunai Phasuk, a senior researcher on Thailand for Human Rights Watch, also claimed that the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani ( BRN ) was behind the most recent wave of violence.
Mr. Sunai claimed in a letter to X that the BRN had cited international humanitarian law to blame the Thai government for failing to engage in peace negotiations, leading to a rise of issue.
This demonstrates that the BRN is pressuring the Thai authorities against its will, as the problems appear arbitrarily,” Mr. Sunai said.
The BRN denied participation in attacks on civilians in Pattani and the surrounding areas in a statement.
Our goal is to preserve Pattani’s dignity and independence. It stated that” we don’t have a plan to attack regular citizens.”
Prime Minister Paetongtarn stated that she has given instructions to a number of organizations to put tight handle controls on all forms of violence.