Senator Angkana opposes returning to square one after the government postpones the southern border peace talks. She cites examples from several countries where increased violence demands peaceful solutions and notes the National Security Council knows Thailand has already passed the trust-building phase.
On 31 Jul 2026 GMT+7, Senator Angkana Nilaipajit spoke about the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sihasak Puangketkaew, announcing the postponement of peace talks for the southern border provinces in Malaysia, due to the killing of five rangers in an ambush at Bukeh Sami checkpoint, Tan Yong Mas Subdistrict, Ra-ngae District, Narathiwat Province.
Senator Angkana said that studying conflicts worldwide shows that in many countries, even amid ongoing violence, talks continue, especially to build trust and pursue peaceful methods together. She personally does not fully understand this government’s policy compared to countries like the Philippines or Northern Ireland, where despite ongoing violence, talks proceed. However, she added it is ultimately the government’s responsibility to decide.
Regarding the reason given for postponing negotiations to assess the latest situation, Senator Angkana said the National Security Council likely understands well, since Thailand initiated talks nearly 20 years ago. In the southern border provinces, violence has sometimes decreased and sometimes increased. The most important factor is government policy, as the National Security Council has consistently affirmed commitment to peaceful solutions.
For the National Security Council meeting this afternoon, chaired by Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Senator Angkana hopes talks will continue. She said there is no need to make daily announcements, as security agencies have ways to support ongoing dialogue. Thailand has passed the trust-building stage and is now discussing substantive details on how to end violence and coexist peacefully.
“I want the talks to continue; I do not want to go backward or return to square one, as over 20 years have already been spent,” she said. .