The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) plans to talk with a youth group that allegedly called for a referendum on establishing an independent Muslim “Patani State” in the South.
Rear Adm Somkiat Ponprayoon, SBPAC secretary-general, said authorities are adamant about resolving the violent unrest in the region through dialogue.
The conflict has killed over 5,800 and injured 12,000 since 2004.
Rear Adm Somkiat said the SBPAC expects to meet the members of Pelajar Bangsa, or “national student movement”, in two weeks to listen to their opinions and see what it can do to promote a better understanding of the issue.
The group, which represents students from the three southernmost provinces, stirred controversy when simulating a public referendum, as part of a “Self-Determination and Patani Peace” seminar held at Prince of Songkla University’s Pattani campus on June 7, on the separation of the deep South. It is believed the group is the latest incarnation of the Federation of Patani Students and Youth (PerMas), which was disbanded in 2021.
Rear Adm Somkiat said while security officers are looking into the controversial activity and considering legal action against any seminar participants accused of breaking the law, it is the SBPAC’s job to engage and dialogue with locals over the issue.
He noted that political elements could have motivated the young activists to act and said it would be wrong to assume they have subscribed to the idea of separatism.
Pattani governor Patimoh Sadeeyamu on Friday echoed Rear Adm Somkiat’s views, saying unrest in the region should be addressed through dialogue.
Political activist Srisuwan Janya filed a petition on Friday with the Election Commission (EC) asking it to investigate whether political parties are behind the alleged separatist push.
He said separatism is against Section 1 of the constitution, which says Thailand is an inseparable nation and political parties found involved can be dissolved under Section 92 of the charter.
Mr Srisuwan also submitted evidence, including video clips of the seminar.
Prachachart leader Wan Muhamad Nor Matha on Friday said a party MP-elect who attended the seminar was there to offer academic views.