Former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra admitted today that mistakes were made and asked for forgiveness from the Muslim population of Narathiwat over the Tak Bai massacre, which occurred during his administration about two decades ago.
In his address to teachers and officials at Samphan Wittaya School in Cho Ai-rong district, Narathiwat, Thaksin said he has good intentions toward and is concerned about the people in the Deep South, "but there were some mistakes made."
"If mistakes were made that caused dissatisfaction among the people, I would like to ask for forgiveness so I can help solve the problems," said Thaksin.
He added that Muslims share an important value—understanding and a readiness to forgive—as he offered an apology.
The incident occurred on October 25, 2004, during Thaksin's administration, when security forces clashed with demonstrators demanding the release of detained villagers.
Over 1,000 protesters were arrested, and at least 85 people died, most from suffocation after being stacked on top of one another in military trucks while being transported to an army barracks.
The court case over the incident was delayed for years and was only concluded last year, in 2024, when it was dropped due to the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations, with no officials jailed.
Commenting on two explosions—one in Yala yesterday and another at Narathiwat airport this morning, about an hour before his arrival—Thaksin said some might think he would panic. However, he added that he was unperturbed, as he had survived four assassination attempts before.
Thaksin told the audience he is visiting the Deep South as a special advisor to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as a former prime minister, and as a representative of the ruling Pheu Thai Party.
He said he hopes that, in the future, there will be greater international cooperation to resolve the violence in the Deep South, particularly in the peace dialogue now being facilitated by Malaysia.
He disclosed that Indonesia has offered to assist in the dialogue and expressed hope for progress this year between the Thai government and representatives of insurgent groups.
Asked about the suggestion that Prime Minister's Office Order 66/23, issued by Prime Minister Prem Tinsulanonda in 1980 to encourage communist insurgents to lay down their arms and join a reconciliation program, could be applied in the Deep South,
Thaksin said all suggestions are welcome and can be adjusted depending on the peace talks.
Thaksin also said he sensed a shift in the attitude and feelings of Muslims, adding that about 20 years ago, people looked at him with mistrust, but now he feels more welcome and "there appears to be light at the end of the tunnel."
