BANGKOK: The persistent unrest and frequent fires in Thailand’s southern provinces have raised concerns, with potential links to the nearing expiration of the Tak Bai case’s statute of limitations. Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, President of the House of Representatives, expressed hope that authorities would advance the case to court before October 25, advocating for increased intelligence efforts and the involvement of civilian forces over military and police intervention.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Wan Noor highlighted the ongoing discord in the southern border provinces, despite efforts at peace facilitated by the Thai government and Malaysia. He noted that differences of opinion between government officials and citizens have hindered progress, underscoring the need for cooperation from the public and accurate news dissemination to foster peace.
Mr. Wan Noor emphasized the limitations of relying solely on military and police force, advocating for the engagement of civil society organizations such as vi
llage defense volunteers and local leaders. He called for these groups to collaborate with government entities to gradually improve the situation, stressing that force should be reserved for war-like scenarios, which he clarified is not the current case. The Speaker further urged for expedited negotiations to resolve the unrest.
Addressing the potential connection between the Tak Bai case and the increased incidents, Mr. Wan Noor acknowledged the possibility of a link, given the case’s impending expiration. He called for the arrest of individuals with outstanding warrants before the deadline, suggesting that such actions could alleviate tensions and reduce differences of opinion. He noted that while recent unrest has been more frequent, it may reflect local efforts to prompt stronger law enforcement action.