Thaksin Apologises for Tak Bai Tragedy, Downplays Narathiwat Car Bombing

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Picture courtesy: Thai Rath

 

In a significant gesture, former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has publicly apologised for the Tak Bai incident, expressing regret for the tragic events during his tenure. The announcement came as Thaksin visited Narathiwat, part of a diplomatic mission to the southern provinces alongside Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

 

The context of his apology dates back to a deeply unfortunate event on October 25, 2004, known as the Tak Bai incident, where 85 Thai citizens perished.

 

The incident occurred during a demonstration at a police station in Tak Bai, with the protest escalating to a violent confrontation resulting in several deaths. Nearly 1,300 protesters were detained and transported under inhumane conditions, with 78 dying from suffocation during transport.

 

Speaking at a press conference at Samphan Witthaya School, Thaksin offered his apologies specifically to religious leaders and local Muslim communities.

 

He acknowledged past missteps and expressed a desire for collective efforts to address lingering discontent, stating, "If there was anything wrong that causes dissatisfaction, I apologise and ask everyone to help solve the problem together."

 

This visit, focusing on security, religious, and educational development, comes amid tensions highlighted by a car bomb at Narathiwat Airport. The explosive device was attached to an officer’s pickup truck, detonating shortly before Thaksin's arrival.

The former prime minister, however, downplayed the incident as symbolic and noted his resilience, claiming he had survived four previous assassination attempts. “I am still indifferent, it’s okay I am not afraid of this. Whoever welcomes me in whatever way, I accept them all,” he remarked.

 

Images of the car bomb and related warnings were circulated online by the "Southern Border Comrades" webpage, advising caution in the area.

 

Despite the tension, Thaksin’s visit proceeded with parliamentary and local leaders, including Narathiwat Governor Trakul Thotham and members of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre, extending their welcome.

 

The dual focus of Thaksin's visit—seeking reconciliation over past grievances while navigating the complexities of present security threats—emphasises ongoing challenges in Thailand's southern regions.

 

The visit underlines a broader initiative to foster dialogue and development, aiming to move beyond historical grievances and strengthen regional stability, reported ThaiNewsroom.

 

-- 2025-02-24

 

 

[Artisi]

How sweet of him, guess he now thinks its all washed over and will soon be forgotten. 

[JoePai]

Under the carpet, out of sight

[lordgrinz]

He should really think about buying a second home down there, and start mingling with his new friends 👍

[MikeandDow]

Thaskin apologising for all the trouble he started !! This is a PR exercise, it will not be accepted the people down south have a long memory !!  hopfully 5th time lucky !