Thaksin's Peace Promise for South Sparks Doubts and Debate

[webfact]

File photo courtesy: Thai PBS

 

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent pledge to end the longstanding southern unrest by next year has ignited a flurry of concern and scepticism among political analysts and citizens alike. This commitment, made during a notable visit to Thailand’s deep South, marks a significant development as the region grapples with ongoing violence.

 

In his role as an informal adviser to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who serves as the Asean chair, Thaksin made a poignant visit last Sunday, during which he offered a heartfelt apology to Muslim families affected by the infamous Tak Bai massacre of 2004. This tragic incident occurred under Thaksin’s tenure as prime minister and remains a painful chapter in Thailand’s history.

 

However, Thaksin's optimistic timeline for peace has left political observers questioning the methods that will underpin this ambitious target. Chayanit Poonyarat, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University, voiced apprehension regarding the practicalities behind such a swift resolution. "I don’t believe anyone simply wants the southern unrest to end quickly. What matters more is how the problem will be addressed," she noted.

 

Chayanit's concerns centre around Thaksin’s assurance of significant progress within this year, and his confident prediction of the unrest’s conclusion by the next. "If we rely on the use of force, peace may be temporarily restored, but that won't truly solve the problem," she cautioned, encouraging the government to prioritise dialogue with separatist factions for a durable peace.

Indeed, the previous peace negotiation initiatives, she highlighted, have faltered, particularly since the end of the Srettha Thavisin administration. "The ongoing unrest is partly a consequence of Thailand’s political instability. Peace talks have been repeatedly disrupted whenever a government is replaced," she explained.

 

The current state of affairs is also complicated by the emergency decree in place across the troubled southern provinces. Chayanit suggested a detailed assessment of this decree’s efficacy, which, she argued, could offer critical insights into the region’s legal framework and decisions about lifting the law.

 

Despite the broader scepticism, some positive responses have emerged. Adul Khiewboriboon, chair of the Committee of Relatives of the 1992 Black May Heroes, commended Thaksin’s apology regarding the Tak Bai tragedy, viewing it as a step towards reconciliation.

 

Ultimately, while Thaksin's intentions may empathise with those affected by ongoing conflict, how these intentions translate into real-world policy and peace efforts remains to be seen. As Thailand watches closely, the spotlight remains firmly on how these ambitious goals will be met and sustained, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-27

 

 

[motdaeng]

thaksin seems like the donald trump of thailand … arrogant and full of himself, making empty promises and lying daily … yet both are  convicted criminal too ... 

[watchcat]

16 minutes ago, webfact said:

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent pledge to end the longstanding southern unrest by next year

 

Where is his daughter at?

[Artisi]

17 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

Where is his daughter at?

Probably out shopping for the current In-trend kiddies toys. 

[watchcat]

38 minutes ago, Artisi said:

Probably out shopping for the current In-trend kiddies toys. 

 

You mean smoking without cigarettes

[Artisi]

31 minutes ago, watchcat said:

 

You mean smoking without cigarettes

Certainly lots of smoke and mirrors. 

[MikeandDow]

"He offered a heartfelt apology to Muslim families"    What a load of BS !!  What about the War on drugs killing is he going to  apology for that !! what about the corupption and the money he stole ! he going to apology for that !! the guy is a 

charlatan end of story!!

[Stocky]

On the positive side at least someone's talking about resolving the southern conflict. There's been a general apathy within the Thai government, content that the conflict is restricted to the southern states and far away from Bangkok. Fingers crossed something comes of this new initiative and partnership with Anwar Ibrahim.