Bangkok: The Southern Border Peace Committee convened to discuss the imminent expiration of the Tak Bai case, with Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Vejjayachai assigning the 4th Army Commander to provide clarifications due to other commitments. The meeting, focused on peace-building efforts in the southern border provinces, proceeded with the presence of key officials, including the Secretary-General of the National Security Council.
According to Thai News Agency, the meeting was attended by the Special Committee tasked with studying and proposing peace-building strategies to address the ongoing conflict in the southern border regions. The committee invited several high-ranking officials, including Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Mr. Chatchai Bangchuad, the NSC Secretary-General, and the Director of Internal Security Operations Region 4 Forward Command, to discuss the Tak Bai case and related peace-building processes.
Representatives from The Patani Network and 45 additional organizations submitted an open letter t
o the committee chairman, outlining demands that included the urgent arrest and court appearance of seven defendants by October 25. The letter also urged the Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and National Police Commissioner to ensure compliance with court orders and proposed the establishment of an independent truth commission if the state failed to bring the defendants to justice.
Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, a Pheu Thai Party MP and committee chairman, acknowledged the demands and reiterated the importance of prosecuting the defendants to prevent further escalation in the southern border provinces. He assured that the proposals would be presented to the cabinet for further consideration.
During the session, Mr. Chaturon explained that Maj. Gen. Paisal Noosang, the commander of the 4th Army, was delegated by Mr. Phumtham to provide the necessary clarifications to the committee. The meeting included participation from the NSC Secretary-General and a representative from the ISOC Region 4 Forward Command, ensu
ring that the committee received comprehensive input from relevant security agencies.