On May 7, 2025, the Committee on Constitutional Amendment (กมธ.) convened to discuss strategies aimed at promoting peace and addressing the ongoing conflicts in Thailand's southern border provinces. Chaired by Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, a member of the House of Representatives from the Pheu Thai Party, the committee's meeting focused on formulating comprehensive proposals to tackle both immediate and long-term issues affecting the region.
Mr. Chaturon expressed that the committee's proposals aim to alleviate the concerns of residents in the southern border provinces, who have been increasingly anxious about their safety and property due to recent violent incidents. "The recent surge in violence has deeply troubled the public, and citizens in the three southern provinces are particularly worried about their safety and property," he stated. He emphasized that the committee's stance is to engage in constructive dialogue to find solutions to these pressing issues.
The committee's discussions also highlighted the importance of transparency and the rule of law in addressing the violence. Mr. Chaturon pointed out that citizens across the nation are concerned about the potential resurgence of unrest and violence. He urged all parties involved to work together to explore peaceful resolutions to the ongoing conflicts. The committee is committed to ensuring that justice is served promptly and that the principles of the rule of law are upheld.
Notably, the committee has recognized that the process of official peace talks has been ongoing since 2013 but has faced interruptions due to changes in government. Mr. Chaturon noted that every time a new cabinet is formed, a new committee must be established, which can disrupt the continuity of the peace process. He stressed the need for a comprehensive understanding of the complex and long-standing issues that have contributed to the conflict in the southern border provinces.
In a related statement, Ms. Pannika Wanich, a prominent member of the Progressive Movement and spokesperson for the committee, addressed the recent spike in violence, which has included attacks on civilians, children, the elderly, and religious figures. She highlighted the widespread public distress caused by these events, stating, "The violent incidents have created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among the residents in the southern border provinces."
Ms. Pannika reiterated the committee's firm stance against violence in all forms, expressing deep condolences for the losses incurred. "We call for an immediate cessation of such acts, as violence not only contravenes legal and humanitarian principles but also severely undermines the peace-building process," she said.
The committee's statement outlined several key positions regarding the current situation:
- The committee condemns all forms of violence and extends heartfelt sympathy to those affected by recent events.
- It emphasizes the necessity of bringing perpetrators to justice swiftly, adhering to the principles of transparency and fairness.
- It calls for effective measures to ensure the safety and protection of citizens' lives and property.
- It supports the involvement of all parties in peace negotiations to foster a collaborative environment for political solutions within the constitutional framework.
- Finally, the committee acknowledges the complexity of the ongoing conflicts and the need for multi-dimensional approaches to peacebuilding, including active participation from all sectors of society.
As the committee works on its comprehensive report, it aims to present both short-term and long-term proposals for sustainable peace in the southern border provinces. The need for a collaborative effort among various stakeholders is seen as crucial for fostering an environment conducive to dialogue and reconciliation.
In a parallel development, the National Assembly of Vietnam has also been engaging its citizens in the constitutional amendment process through an innovative electronic application, VNeID. This platform allows citizens to express their opinions directly regarding proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution.
On May 6, 2025, the content of the proposed amendments was made accessible via the VNeID application, enabling citizens to participate actively in the legislative process. Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, the Deputy Head of the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the National Assembly, emphasized the significance of public engagement in shaping the constitutional framework to reflect the people's will.
According to Ms. Ha, the National Assembly aims to gather feedback from citizens at all levels, ensuring that the amendments address the needs and aspirations of the population. "This initiative is a vital step towards enhancing public trust and participation in governance," she stated.
The National Assembly's Resolution 194/2025/QH15 outlines the focus on reviewing and amending several articles of the 2013 Constitution, aiming to align with national development goals and improve the functioning of the state apparatus. The use of VNeID is seen as a groundbreaking approach to facilitate citizen involvement, with plans to synthesize public feedback into the legislative process.
As citizens engage with the VNeID application, they can provide insights and suggestions regarding the constitutional amendments, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and representative governance framework. This move is anticipated to strengthen the relationship between the government and the populace, fostering a culture of dialogue and accountability.
Both Thailand and Vietnam are navigating complex socio-political landscapes, with ongoing efforts to address conflicts and enhance democratic participation. The initiatives taken by their respective legislative bodies reflect a commitment to fostering peace, stability, and public engagement in governance.
