Politics
Chuan Leekpai Addresses Southern Thailand Unrest in Parliament
Former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has urged the government to prioritize the 'Understand, Access, Develop' policy to address the long-standing conflict in Thailand's deep south.
During a parliamentary session on September 16, 2026, Democrat Party list MP Chuan Leekpai addressed the ongoing instability in Thailand’s southern border provinces. According to a report by Khaosod Online, Chuan highlighted that the conflict, which has persisted since early 2004, has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities. He specifically referenced the 2001 Hat Yai railway station bombing as a historical turning point that marked the beginning of ineffective security policies.
Chuan emphasized that the government must strictly adhere to the 'Understand, Access, Develop' strategy, a framework originally championed by the late King Rama IX. He warned cabinet ministers against rhetoric that could exacerbate social divisions, urging them instead to trust the potential of local residents to contribute to peace.
For residents and travelers, this parliamentary discussion underscores that the security situation in the deep south remains a sensitive and unresolved national issue. While the government continues to manage the region, the debate highlights ongoing political scrutiny regarding the effectiveness of state strategies. It remains to be confirmed how the current administration will respond to these specific criticisms or if any adjustments to the existing security policy will be implemented in the near future.
