Sihasak points out that resolving the southern unrest involves multiple dimensions and must be integrated to move in the same direction. He notes that peace talks are only one part and not the complete solution.
At 08:45 on 12 May 2026 at the Government House, Mr. Sihasak Puangketkaew, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke after being appointed chairman of the government's special representative committee for solving the southern border provinces issue. He said that solving the southern border provinces problem requires integrated cooperation. Peace negotiations are one approach, alongside addressing local issues, identity problems, regional development, and justice concerns—all key factors in resolving the southern conflict. It is time for all actions to align in the same direction, including talks with insurgent groups and political problem-solving through dialogue with the local population. He views these as positive steps, noting that these initiatives were proposed by the Ministry of Defence.
When asked whether this approach signifies politics leading the military, Mr. Sihasak said that some aspects are political, others military, and there is also an international dimension, as Malaysia is involved. However, the most important thing is for these efforts to proceed in a unified direction.
When asked how this government's peace talks differ from past administrations, Mr. Sihasak said that if coordination in dialogue is enhanced, recognizing that talks with these groups are only part of the process and not the entire solution, then the southern problem-solving must focus primarily on the people living there.