Thawi Sodsong Calls for Inclusive Peace Talks in Southern Thailand, Citing Frequent Government Changes as Barrier to Resolution

Key summary

Police Colonel Thawi Sodsong, leader of the Pracharath Party and a Member of Parliament, addressed alumni of Malaysian universities at Bakkahland Resort in Pattani on October 25, 2026. He argued that peace negotiations must include not only armed groups but also local citizens to determine their own future under the Constitution. Thawi attributed the lack of resolution after 12 years to mutual suspicion and frequent changes in the Thai government, noting that while a path was found in 2013, it has not been sustained. He highlighted the success of private religious schools like Darussalam and Thammasat Foundation, which receive lower state subsidies (13,000–15,000 baht per student) compared to public schools (nearly 60,000 baht) yet produce students who win over 100 academic Olympiad medals and enter medical faculties annually. Conversely, he pointed to the abandonment of 30 industrial buildings in Ban Na Nae district as evidence of state failure to involve local communities in development. Regarding the peace process, Thawi expressed confidence in Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim but criticized the appointment of a new military facilitator, suggesting that future structures should be codified in law to ensure continuity regardless of government changes. He stated that while BRN has not officially proposed autonomy, the model of Bangkok's decentralized administration or special arrangements could be discussed, provided any solution remains within the Thai Constitution.