The Thai government has marked the 20th anniversary of the Tak Bai incident, a violent crackdown on Muslim protesters in southern Thailand that resulted in the deaths of 7 people and 85 injuries. Prime Minister Pridi Patanacharoen has expressed her deep regret over the incident and assured that the government has taken steps to ensure that a similar incident does not happen again.
The Tak Bai incident occurred in 2004 when 1500 Muslim protesters gathered in front of the Provincial Police Headquarters to demand the release of 6 detained individuals. The Thai military and police responded with force, resulting in the deaths of 7 protesters and the deaths of 78 protesters who were later taken into custody and transported. The incident sparked widespread outrage among the Muslim population in southern Thailand.
In the past 20 years, the government and the previous government of Thaksin Shinawatra have made efforts to provide compensation and support to the victims' families. As Prime Minister, Ms. Pridi has vowed to do everything possible to prevent such incidents from happening again. She has also called on the government to reflect on its actions and to take steps to prevent violence and maintain peace and order in the region.
Since October 1, the government has been working with the National Police Bureau to investigate those responsible for the incident and to consult with the Council of State on the issue of extending the statute of limitations. The Council has responded that the incident does not meet the criteria set out in the Constitution, in particular Articles 26(2) and 27(3), and is not in line with international human rights and equality principles, and therefore the statute of limitations cannot be extended under Sections 172 and 174 of the Emergency Decree.
Ms. Pridi has acknowledged that the statue of limitations cannot be extended under the Royal Decree, but has called on the government to reflect on its actions and to take steps to prevent violence and maintain peace and order in the region. She has also emphasized that her statement is not made under personal pressure, but in her capacity as Prime Minister, and in order to maintain stability and peace in the country.