Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, urged a reevaluation of the peace negotiations in the deep South, emphasizing the importance of having authentic representatives involved in the discussions.
Discussing the recent increase in violence during Ramadan, Mr. Phumtham, who also serves as the defense minister, mentioned on Monday that recent attacks have sparked doubts about the actual representation of insurgent groups in the dialogue.
He expressed concerns about the efficacy of the talks in providing solutions but noted that informal discussions would persist to ascertain the authenticity of participants.
Mr. Phumtham reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the peace process, observing that a cessation of violence indicates a willingness to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the conflict.
“In any conflict, violence must cease for negotiations to proceed. We are also coordinating to engage other groups in the dialogue,” he added.
In response to questions regarding Malaysia’s travel advisory for the southern region due to recent violent events, he explained that such advisories are typical and that Malaysian officials are well-informed about the situation’s complexity.
When questioned about former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra’s earlier statements predicting improvements in the region within a year, Mr. Phumtham stated the government’s intention to continue striving for peace and to evaluate the progress after one year.
Thaksin, serving as an informal adviser to the ASEAN chair, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, visited the deep South last month and was optimistic about positive changes this year. He also issued an apology for the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat in 2004, which occurred during his tenure.
Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul conducted a video conference with governors from five southern provinces on Monday to ensure heightened security following an insurgent attack on the Sungai Kolok district office in Narathiwat on Saturday evening, during which explosives were thrown and gunfire was exchanged with security volunteers before the assailants escaped.
The insurgents also triggered explosives hidden in a car and a motorcycle parked outside the facility to hinder any pursuit.
Commenting on the attack, Mr. Anutin pointed out that the security volunteers were probably targeted due to their strong connections with the local community. He mentioned that these volunteers are typically recruited from among assistant village heads who undergo community relations and surveillance training.
Mr. Anutin indicated that additional security meetings would be convened to review the situation and pledged unwavering support to Mr. Phumtham in managing the crisis.
Security forces in the deep South remain vigilant. In Yala’s Muang district, officials reported finding three suspicious objects on Monday morning, while a defense volunteer was fatally shot by an unidentified assailant in Krong Pinang district.
