Bangkok: Thammasat University academics have expressed concerns over Thaksin Shinawatra's timeline to resolve the southern border conflict by 2026. They acknowledge his apology to the affected provinces as positive but emphasize the importance of the subsequent actions needed to address the issue effectively.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Chayanit Phulyarat, a lecturer at the Faculty of Political Science, highlighted that while Mr. Thaksin's travel to the southern provinces and his apology for past mistakes are commendable, the critical aspect lies in how the government and Mr. Thaksin, as an advisor to the ASEAN Chair, plan to address key issues. These include resource allocation, the application of special laws, political lawsuits, and developmental aspects.
Ms. Chayanit raised concerns about Mr. Thaksin's assertion that the southern border problems must end by 2026. She noted that focusing on a timeline could be problematic, questioning the means by which such an outcome would be achieved. She emphasized the importance of a political and non-violent resolution, advocating for a sustainable approach rather than one based on suppression.
She further explained that the ongoing violence in the southern border provinces has historical roots tied to state suppression, which prevented people from expressing themselves freely. This suppression led to the rise of armed movements in the 1960s. Ms. Chayanit proposed the re-establishment of the 'Southern Border Provinces Peace Dialogue Committee,' which had been disbanded following a change in government.
Ms. Chayanit pointed out that political instability has consistently disrupted the peace dialogue process. She urged the current government to prioritize the appointment of a new peace dialogue committee to resume effective negotiations. Building mutual trust and involving civil society in the southern provinces are crucial elements for the success of the dialogue process.
On the topic of lifting the emergency decree in the southern border provinces, Ms. Chayanit noted differing perspectives based on religious affiliations. She called for a thorough examination of data to evaluate the impact of special laws and their enforcement on violence levels and human rights violations. The financial and human costs of the conflict, exceeding 500 billion baht since 2004, underscore the need for a comprehensive and informed approach to resolving the issue.