Abhisit points out that setting up a peace negotiation panel for the southern border provinces is positive. He stresses avoiding suspicion that the talks are used for intelligence gathering and suggests addressing two issues urgently: identifying those who orchestrated the MP's shooting and stopping information operations that breed hatred.
On 25 Apr 2026 at the Democrat Party, Abhisit Vejjajiva, a party-list MP and party leader, commented on the suitability of appointing Thanat Suwannanon, Director of the National Intelligence Agency, as head of the southern border peace talks. He expressed gladness that the government is moving forward on this issue, noting he had previously criticized the omission of peace talks in the parliamentary policy statement and the reduced emphasis on southern border policies in security council reports. He stressed that this process offers the best chance for sustainable problem-solving. Regarding the negotiation panel, he said the focus is not on individuals; civilian involvement helps, but he noted that intelligence work must build confidence in the talks because past suspicion has caused security forces to worry that the dialogue serves as intelligence gathering.
"Therefore, caution is needed here. What I want to see is a start in helping the entire nation understand that talks leading to peace involve deciding how decentralization should work. The clear condition is that it must remain under the constitution of an indivisible kingdom. But decentralization or governance arrangements should allow diverse groups to coexist harmoniously while preserving their identities — this is the heart of peace. So if I may suggest, the panel should emphasize building mutual trust and assure that those involved in talks can control the situation locally and clearly show the path forward, rather than merely seeking peace without clear outcomes," Abhisit said.
Abhisit added that two urgent issues must be resolved locally: the assassination case involving an MP, especially now that arrests have been made, with efforts needed to identify and pursue the masterminds. He also raised questions about government vehicles and personnel possibly involved with security forces, calling for transparency to prevent suspicion. Additionally, he highlighted the harmful use of information operations against dissenters and even the media, which only fuels conflict and hatred further.