Diplomats Gain New Insights On Southern Thailand

By Linda Khoo Hui Li

BANGKOK, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- A group of foreign mission heads in Thailand, including Malaysian Ambassador to Thailand Datuk Jojie Samuel, were recently at the tranquil and charming Kueda Chino neighbourhood in Pattani town to see for themselves the actual situation in Thailand’s three southern provinces.

Muslims, Buddhists, and Chinese today reside in the picturesque and tranquil neighbourhood on the right bank of the Pattani River, where they coexist amicably.

A far cry from the Pattani that previously experienced war and struggle, the gorgeous mosques, elaborate Buddhist temples, and traditional Chinese architecture make a genuinely unique and varied society living side by side.

“It is truly fascinating to witness the vibrant blend of religions, languages, and cuisines that thrive in this diverse region,” said Samuel.

Jojie was part of a group of ambassadors and chargés d'affaires, including those from Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Indonesia, Türkiye, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Pakistan, who recently visited Thailand’s three southernmost provinces - Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.

During the 3-day trip, the diplomats were given briefings and paid visits to a number of agencies. They also met with local leaders and community members to learn about the region's potential in education, economic and industry development, culture, and tourism.

They also visited religious sites, cultural attractions, and natural wonders, such as the Krue Se Mosque and Central Mosque in Pattani, the Islamic Cultural Heritage Museum and the Al-Quran Learning Centre in Narathiwat, Thailand Knowledge (TK) Park in Yala, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) - Pattani Campus, the seaside Barahom community in Pattani, and Ban Ton Tan Community Forest Conservation in Narathiwat.

In addition, they were briefed on overall government policy and administration at the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre (SBPAC) and the Yala City Municipality.

The visit was an eye-opener for many ambassadors. They came back with a better understanding of the region's unique multiculturalism and its potential for development.

They also pledged to support the region's efforts to achieve peace and prosperity. The visit is expected to open up opportunities for further international cooperation that will benefit local communities in Thailand's southernmost provinces.

The trip co-organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and SBPAC with the assistance of relevant local agencies was aimed to show the diplomats the strengths and development potential of Thailand's southern border provinces. The provinces are home to mostly Muslims.

Meanwhile, Egypt's Ambassador to Thailand, Moustapha Elkouny said the ambassadors were fascinated by the region's rich history and stunning natural beauty.

He said the trip gave them valuable insights into the economic potential and diplomatic opportunities in the region.

“The visit was a great success and was very fruitful. It gave us the opportunity to observe Thailand's southern border regions and to consider the challenges they are facing.

“We discussed the political, cultural, and economic facets. These all provide us a better understanding of the Muslim population along the southern border and how to incorporate them into society. I'll go back to the provinces once more so I may get more ideas,” he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Busadee Santipitaks said the visit provided the diplomatic corps with the latest development and information on the ground regarding the southern border provinces.

“In the past, there may have been information publicised about the situation, the rise of conflict or violent incidents. However, the number of cases has significantly gone down in the past few years.

“It is a good starting point for us to get firsthand knowledge of the situation in the Muslim majority southern border provinces by informing the diplomatic corps from Muslim countries.

“With that, we hope to tell them about the recent developments that the Thai government is trying to do with regards to improving the livelihoods of the people, particularly based on their social and cultural backgrounds which include different faiths and religions,” she told Bernama.

Busadee said the visit gave the foreign representatives a chance to experience the unique multiculturalism of the provinces firsthand, as well as to learn about the area's potential in education, economic development, industry, culture, and tourism.

She said the visit also aimed to provide the diplomatic corps with the most up-to-date information regarding the situation on the ground and the Royal Thai Government's policies and measures undertaken by the SBPAC, National Security Council, and Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC).

“The ambassadors enjoyed the intensive trip. They visited three provinces in three days with a full-packed program. We hope this is a first step. If they wish to come back, they are more than welcome to do so,” she said.

-- BERNAMA