Court in Southern Thailand to Consider 2004 Tak Bai Massacre Lawsuit

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The decision of the Narathiwat Provincial Court to hear a lawsuit raised against seven officials implicated in the 2004 Tak Bai massacre has been applauded by activists. Srisompob Jitpiromsri, the director of Deep South Watch, viewed the court's acceptance of the lawsuit as an important move towards achieving justice and peace in the conflict-ridden region. He made these remarks at a discussion held in Pattani's Mueang district concerning the court's decision. The massacre under scrutiny claimed the lives of 85 people.

 

Kannavee Suebsang, a proportional representation MP for the FAIR Party, and other campaigners concentrated on the Deep South were present at the event. Kannavee expressed that justice seems to be within reach now that the seven accused officials will be held accountable for their actions.

 

He stressed the importance of recognising the past brutalities that would impact Thailand's global image. "A lot of concealed truths from the previous twenty years can now come to light, paving the way for a productive dialogue to establish lasting peace in Pattani," Kannavee added. He also urged the government to exhibit a strong political will to tackle the continuous problems in the southern provinces.

 

Despite having 13 MPs from the southern provinces within the ruling coalition, Kannavee pointed out that the efforts to resolve the region's issues were unsatisfactory. The FAIR Party MP criticised earlier governments for focusing too much on security concerns. He argued that the failure to bring peace in the restless region stemmed from treating all difficulties as security threats.

 

Examination of witnesses is set to begin on September 12.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-08-27

 

 

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