On May 7, 2025, at 12:30 p.m., the Committee on Constitutional Amendments for Education and Proposals for National Reconciliation convened in the Parliament, focusing on addressing the long-standing conflicts in Thailand's southern border provinces. The committee, led by Mr. Chaturon Chaisang, a prominent member of the Pheu Thai Party, aims to propose comprehensive solutions that tackle both short-term and long-term issues arising from the ongoing violence in the region.
Mr. Chaturon emphasized the importance of a well-rounded budget allocation for national reconciliation efforts. “Our proposals are designed to be holistic in nature, taking into account the complexity of the issues at hand,” he stated after the meeting. He acknowledged that recent violent incidents have heightened public concern, not only among residents of the southern provinces but across the entire nation. “People are anxious about their safety and property, and they worry that past unrest could resurface,” he added.
The committee discussed the necessity of a prompt and fair judicial process to address grievances arising from violence. “It is crucial that we ensure justice is served swiftly and in accordance with the rule of law,” Mr. Chaturon remarked, highlighting the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to foster peace talks.
Additionally, the committee’s spokesperson, Ms. Pannika Wanich, read a statement condemning the recent surge in violence, which has seen civilians, including children, the elderly, and religious figures, targeted. “The increase in brutality has shaken the public and left the situation in the southern border provinces extremely fragile,” she noted. The statement called for a collective effort to confront the violence with reason and to seek peaceful resolutions.
The committee outlined five key issues for consideration regarding constitutional amendments aimed at enhancing the peace process. They acknowledged that the official peace talks have been sporadic since their inception in 2013, often disrupted by changes in government. “It is essential for society to understand that the conflict in the southern border provinces is complex and has accumulated over many years,” Mr. Chaturon explained. He mentioned that the committee is preparing a report to present its findings and recommendations to the Parliament, which will then be forwarded to the government.
In a related development, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long has instructed the Ministry of Justice to draft a document synthesizing opinions on proposed amendments to the 2013 Constitution. This directive includes gathering feedback from various governmental bodies and local authorities before the deadline of May 8, 2025.
The Ministry of Justice is currently focused on collecting citizen opinions regarding the VNeID application from May 6 to May 29, 2025. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure public participation in the constitutional amendment process. “We want to ensure that the voices of the citizens are heard and considered,” Deputy Prime Minister Long stated.
As part of this process, the Ministry of Justice has issued document No. 05/KH-UBDTSĐBSHP on May 5, 2025, outlining the steps for gathering public opinion. The document emphasizes the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the amendment process.
The government has also been proactive in managing the public's feedback regarding the VNeID application. The Ministry of Public Security has been tasked with overseeing the infrastructure necessary for collecting opinions from citizens, ensuring that their concerns are addressed during this critical period.
In efforts to facilitate widespread public engagement, various ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, are collaborating to disseminate information and encourage citizen participation. They aim to gather insights on the proposed amendments through electronic platforms and public consultations.
As the government prepares to finalize its proposals, it is clear that the situation remains delicate. The public's response to the proposed constitutional changes will be pivotal in shaping the future of governance and peace efforts in Thailand.
In conclusion, both the Committee on Constitutional Amendments and the Ministry of Justice are working diligently to address the pressing issues facing the nation. As they navigate the complexities of conflict resolution and constitutional reform, the involvement of the public will be crucial in fostering a stable and peaceful environment.
