NARATHIWAT, Thailand – Thaksin Shinawatra, an advisor to the ASEAN Chair, visited the southern border provinces to focus on addressing economic issues and drug problems, February 23. He emphasized that resolving the region’s violence should be achieved through dialogue.
At 10:40 AM, Thaksin, along with Phumtham Wechayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Pol. Col. Thavee Sodsong, Minister of Justice and leader of the Prachachat Party, visited Wat Prachumchon Thara (Sungai Padi Temple) in Su-ngai Padi, Narathiwat Province, where they were welcomed by local residents.
Following that, at 10:50 AM, Thaksin met with local leaders, including religious leaders and local Buddhist network representatives, to discuss regional development at the same temple. The event was organized by the Prachachat Party and the Southern Border Provinces Administration Centre (SBPAC), with the goal of gathering recommendations for the development of the southern provinces.
According to a report from the Prachachat Party, this visit by Thaksin and Pol. Col. Thavee was an opportunity to gather suggestions and ideas for improving the quality of life for the people in the southern border provinces and to promote lasting peace. The visit was part of efforts to address economic challenges and drug problems in the area.
The team held a forum to listen to feedback from community leaders, religious leaders, government officials, academics, businesspeople, and civil society organizations. The discussions focused on identifying problems, obstacles, and potential solutions to the region’s issues, including fostering cooperation with Malaysia as a key partner in enhancing development in the area.
Thaksin, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair Advisor, stressed the importance of addressing economic problems and drug issues, calling for collaborative solutions. He remains confident that dialogue is the key to finding a resolution, with all parties involved willing to come together and discuss the way forward.
Regarding a recent incident at Narathiwat Airport, where a car bomb exploded near the air traffic control tower, Navy Captain Santi Ketsriphongsasa, Commander of the Marine Special Task Force, confirmed that the explosion, which occurred near a parked pickup truck beside an officer’s residence, did not affect flight operations. The authorities, including Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) personnel, were quick to inspect the area, ensuring that the explosion did not disrupt airport activities.
At the time of the incident, key figures such as Parliament President Wan Muhammad Nor Matha, Pol. Lt. Gen. Wannarong Khotraksa, Secretary-General of the SBPAC, and Narathiwat Governor Trachoo Thotham, along with local residents, were present to welcome Thaksin and his delegation. (TNA)
