Thai Army Appeals To Separatist Elements To Choose Dialogue Over Violence

By Noraizura Ahmad

HATYAI, July 8 (Bernama) – The Thai Army has called on individuals linked with the country’s separatist movements to engage in peaceful dialogue with the government instead of resorting to violence.

Commander of Thailand’s Fourth Army Region, Lt Gen Paisan Nusang, said the Thai government remains committed to resolving the long-standing conflict in the southern provinces through non-violent means, adding that it greatly values the support and cooperation of Malaysia in maintaining regional security.

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“Please tell them (individuals linked with the Thai separatist movement)… do not plan to get weapons or bullets. Please come home to discuss,” he told Bernama in an exclusive interview at the Senanarong Camp in Khohong, Hatyai, Songkhla, recently.

He urged those who feel marginalised or unfairly treated to voice their grievances through proper and peaceful channels, rather than getting involved in a cycle of conflict based on past grievances.

“Something happened many years ago… it’s already passed. It’s over. So when you feel unhappy or uncomfortable, please tell us. We need to talk. We need to discuss what you need,” appealed Paisan.

He stressed that the current situation in southern Thailand should not be viewed as religiously motivated, but rather driven by radical ideologies seeking to distort historical narratives and sow divisions within communities.

“It does not matter, regardless of religion or whatever. They are our people. They are not our enemies,” he said, adding that certain groups have exploited religious schools, community spaces and online networks to radicalise young people.

“They have a hidden agenda… to teach them to destroy the history of the country,” he said.

To counter this, he said the Thai government is implementing a three-pronged approach involving law enforcement, regional development and education reform, with the support of agencies such as the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC), the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) and the Ministry of Education.

Paisan also expressed appreciation for Malaysia’s role as a peace facilitator and for maintaining close cooperation with Thailand, especially in defence and border security.

“We have good cooperation with Malaysia in so many dimensions, especially among our army groups… and both sides work really closely together,” he said.

He called on Malaysian authorities to continue assisting Thailand by addressing the issue of separatist elements illegally crossing the border and bringing them to justice.

“We need Malaysian support to bring them to justice as they must abide by the law process,” he said.

Drawing from Thailand’s experience in resolving internal insurgencies, including the disarmament of the Communist Party over four decades ago, Paisan said dialogue and mutual understanding remain the best path forward.

Paisan said the media also has a vital role to play in helping people on both sides of the border to understand the government’s efforts in maintaining peace and unity in the southern provinces.

-- BERNAMA