Bangkok: Opposition leader Nattapong Ruangpanyawut has expressed concerns over the ongoing unrest in the three southern border provinces of Thailand. He emphasized that the peace process remains the most viable solution to the instability in the region.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nattapong, who leads the Prachachon Party and serves as the opposition leader in the House of Representatives, spoke about the issues facing the southern provinces ahead of a planned visit by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. He clarified that his concerns are not directly related to Thaksin's visit but stem from a broader commitment to restoring peace in the region.
During his interview, Mr. Nattapong referred to data collected from the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) and the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) since 2020. These figures indicate an increase in violence following a stall in the peace process, illustrating the urgent need to expedite efforts for peace.
When questioned about the timing of recent unrest and bombings coinciding with Thaksin's visit, Mr. Nattapong refrained from drawing direct links. He suggested that these incidents might be interpreted as political expressions by insurgent groups. He reiterated that a focused peace initiative would likely lead to a decrease in unrest, as confirmed by various sectors within the southern provinces.