Bangkok: “Phumtham” met with the Chularatchamontri to explore solutions to the ongoing unrest in the southern border provinces, highlighting the importance of addressing violence in the region and emphasizing that the killing of innocent people contradicts religious principles. He proposed collaborative efforts to end the violence by engaging with individuals capable of resolving the issue.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, shared insights from his meeting with Mr. Arun Boonchum, the Chularatchamontri. The discussion, held at the Chularatchamontri Office, lasted about an hour and centered on the concern over incidents in the southern border provinces. Mr. Phumtham expressed his intention to seek the Chularatchamontri’s perspective, acknowledging his deeper understanding of Muslims compared to Thai Buddhists.

Following the meeting, Mr. Phumtham noted the universal desire to prevent killings, as such acts oppose religious teachings. He stressed the need for inclusive discussions beyond formal meetings to devise effective solutions. The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration among all parties to address the problem.

Mr. Phumtham indicated that further dialogue and a systematic approach would be necessary to facilitate more comprehensive discussions. He emphasized the shared belief among all parties in finding a resolution to the issue and committed to consulting with various stakeholders to implement actions.

When questioned about the role of religious principles in the unrest, Mr. Phumtham reiterated that Islamic teachings clearly condemn violence and killing. He advocated for the peaceful coexistence of Muslim and Thai Buddhist communities and highlighted the potential of a multicultural society to foster peace.

The Chularatchamontri’s stance, as conveyed by Mr. Phumtham, focuses on promoting peace and cooperation. He condemned acts of brutality as inconsistent with religious teachings and expressed confidence that all religious doctrines support peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.

Mr. Phumtham stressed the importance of identifying the root causes of the unrest to find viable solutions. He expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue and negotiations and mentioned plans to visit Malaysia as part of these efforts.

In response to inquiries about discussions during Ramadan, Mr. Phumtham acknowledged previous talks towards the end of the holy month. He expressed a commitment to resolving issues through dialogue, seeking to engage with those capable of addressing the situation.