NARATHIWAT, Feb 23 — Former Thai premier and informal adviser for Malaysia’s Asean chairmanship Thaksin Shinawatra made a one-day working visit to three southern provinces of Thailand today, to find a solution to the long-running conflict in the region.
He said the visit followed his recent discussions with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Thaksin added that Malaysia, as the Asean chairman, and Anwar are very much prioritising efforts to achieve peace in Thailand's southern provinces.
"So, I am coming down to see for myself the situation here today, to examine the issues and to listen to the people's voices," he told the local press.
Earlier, Thaksin, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister cum Minister of Defence Phumtham Wechayachai and Minister of Justice Tawee Sodsong, arrived at the airport and was welcomed by the Speaker of the Thai House of Representatives Wan Muhammad Noor Matha.
He said that as an informal adviser to the Asean chairman, he is determined to resolve the conflict and believes that negotiations are the best way forward.
Thaksin also expressed hope to see negotiations continue at all levels to achieve peace.
This visit is Thaksin's first since being appointed as an informal adviser, and also his first visit to the region in more than 20 years since his government was overthrown in 2006.
— Bernama
