Bangkok: Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, has expressed his regret over the recent bombing incident in Su-ngai Kolok that resulted in injuries and fatalities. The incident has occurred amidst ongoing efforts to facilitate peace talks in the region, raising questions about the effectiveness of the current negotiating team.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham emphasized the importance of maintaining peace during the Ramadan month, a period he hoped would be free of conflict. He questioned whether the existing negotiating partners were truly effective, given the occurrence of violent incidents despite ongoing discussions. Mr. Phumtham extended his condolences to the families affected by the attack and reiterated the need for calm while maintaining security measures.
Addressing the potential for changes within the negotiating team, Mr. Phumtham acknowledged uncertainties regarding the identity of the genuine negotiating partner. Despite these challenges, he affirmed the government's commitment to exploring various avenues to ensure productive negotiations. He highlighted the complexity of appointing the right individuals to the committee but assured that efforts to engage in informal discussions with relevant sectors were ongoing.
Mr. Phumtham also provided updates on the southern border strategic plan, which is being developed under the guidance of the National Security Council. He emphasized that the plan involves multiple agencies and stressed the importance of protecting lives and property while prioritizing peace and development.
In response to concerns about coordination with Malaysia, Mr. Phumtham explained that it is standard practice for countries to inform their citizens of potential risks. He affirmed that ongoing communication with Malaysian authorities is in place and expressed confidence in their understanding of the situation.
Regarding former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's suggestion that the situation could improve by 2025, Mr. Phumtham urged patience, stating that the government is dedicated to addressing the issues at hand and hopes for positive developments within the year.