Ministry wants South dialogue
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I wish to set the record straight on some of the issues regarding a joint statement issued by civil society organisations (CSOs) working on the situation in the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs) concerning the OIC delegation's visit to Thailand led by Mr
First, the main objective of the recent OIC visit was to follow up on the developments in resolving the problems in the SBPs, particularly the current policy and the efforts of the government to address the root causes. The ministry worked closely with the OIC in scheduling appointments as requested by the latter, with a view to providing complete and accurate information about the situation in the SBPs, reflecting the government’s transparent approach to resolving the problems.
Second, the OIC provided the ministry with a list of CSOs/organisations it wished to meet, which the ministry arranged as requested. When several other organisations not on that list expressed interests in attending the meeting on May 11, the ministry accommodated the requests and granted permission for those interested parties from other CSOs to attend the meeting as well.
Third, due to the very tight schedule and travelling delays, programmes in both Bangkok and the provinces had to be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, at the outset of the meeting on May 11, the head of the OIC delegation indicated that he intended to briefly meet with the CSOs and that detailed discussion would be held on the following day. However, when the head of the OIC delegation informed the CSOs of the purpose of their visit and wished to learn how the Emergency Decree affected the daily life of the people, the CSOs took the opportunity to express their views on other matters as well. Given the detailed discussions held, the head of the OIC delegation then said that the meeting on the following day would no longer be necessary.
Last but not least, the ministry wishes to emphasise the importance it has always attached to the role and participation of the CSOs in developing better understanding with the OIC. Additionally, during the OIC visit, the ministry also scheduled meetings for the delegation with Islamic leaders as well as organisations and scholars – for instance, with the Foundation of Islamic Centre of Thailand on May 12, where human rights issues were widely discussed.
Thani Thongphakdi is director-general of the Department of Information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
