Narathiwat: 'Thaksin' arrives in Narathiwat, says Narathiwat people are always lovely, warmly welcomes him back after 19 years, before continuing his trip as scheduled, despite bomb at the airport. According to Thai News Agency, on February 23, 2015, Mr. Thaksin Shinawatra, former Prime Minister and Advisor to the ASEAN Chairman, arrived at Narathiwat Airport with Mr. Phumtham Vejjachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, and Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice. They were greeted by high-ranking officials, including Pol. Lt. Col. Wannapong Kotcharak, Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center, and the Governor of Narathiwat Province. Local residents also gathered to welcome the former Prime Minister's return to the southern border provinces after nearly 20 years, a region that experienced unrest in 2004 during Mr. Thaksin's tenure as Prime Minister. Mr. Thaksin was warmly received by the people, who offered him flowers and requested photos. The former Prim e Minister expressed his appreciation, noting that the people of Narathiwat are always lovely and extended a warm welcome after his 19-year absence. For Mr. Thaksin's schedule, at 10.00 a.m., he was set to depart by police helicopter from Narathiwat Airport to the Su-ngai Padi Subdistrict Administrative Organization Stadium. From there, he planned to visit Wat Prachum Chonthara in Su-ngai Padi District to pay respects to Phra Thammachachariyachan, the abbot and advisor to the 18th Sangha Region. Mr. Thaksin was also scheduled to meet with local leaders and the Thai Buddhist network to discuss regional development. Following that, the group was to travel to Samphan Wittaya School in Tambon Chuap, Amphoe Cho Airong, Narathiwat Province, to engage with school administrators, religious and local leaders about development plans. The schedule included lunch, after which they would proceed by helicopter to Sai Buri Islam Witthaya School in Pattani Province for further discussions with religious leaders and school administrators. The itinerary concluded with a trip to Yala Province to visit activities at TK Park and to meet with Mr. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the Parliament, regarding the development of the southern border provinces, before returning to Bangkok.
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