Thailand’s Efforts to Ease Southern Violence Receive a Favorable Response from OIC

(11/02/2013)

The Thai government is satisfied with the Final Communiqué endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states, who have shown their confidence in Thailand’s efforts to tackle violence in the southern border provinces. The statement was issued during the 12th OIC Summit, held in Cairo on 6-7 February 2013. According to the statement, OIC member states commend the efforts of the OIC Secretary-General in following up the situation of Muslims in southern Thailand. They were encouraged by the Thai government’s continued efforts to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of the commitments included in the 2007 Joint Statement. The member states also express hope that the Thai government will take further constructive steps. They request the Secretary-General to cooperate with the Thai government and to pursue constructive dialogue in the interest of Muslims in southern Thailand toward the achievement of peace and stability there. The Director-General of the Department of Information and the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, said that the statement showed that OIC member states were supportive of the Thai government’s efforts to overcome the challenges in the southern border provinces of Thailand. To find a long-term resolution, it is important to generate constructive momentum and support for the Thai government's determination to end the violence, improve people’s livelihoods, and promote greater participation by the local people. Importantly, he said, all parties should be united in expressing their opposition to those who have continued to commit violence in the deep South, especially against innocent civilians. In November 2012, the 39th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC issued a resolution criticizing the Thai government’s handling of the southern situation, while ignoring the acts of violence and terror that impeded the Government’s efforts in the area. In response, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, sent a letter to the OIC Secretary-General expressing disappointment with the resolution and reaffirming that Thailand would nonetheless continue to work with OIC on the basis of mutual understanding and respect. Thailand also took other steps to improve OIC’s understanding of the southern situation. During official visits to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Mr. Surapong reiterated the Thai government’s determination to resolve the situation and requested OIC member states to lend their support. On 31 January 2013, he also led a delegation of 18 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from OIC member states to visit Muslim communities and a Rohingya camp in the deep South for first-hand information.