Wartani_English (2025)

03/07/2025

Paetongtarn Suspended from Prime Minister Duties – Thailand’s Constitutional Court Accepts Ethics Probe Petition

BANGKOK, 1 July 2025 — Thailand’s Constitutional Court today ruled to accept a petition for an ethics investigation into the qualifications of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, following allegations of serious ethical misconduct related to a leaked audio clip of a conversation between her and a Cambodian leader that surfaced on social media.

The petition was filed by 36 Thai senators through Senate President Mongkol Surasajja. In a 7-to-2 majority vote, the Court ordered a temporary suspension of Paetongtarn from all official duties as Prime Minister, pending a final decision on the matter.

The petition cites Section 170(1)(4) in conjunction with Sections 160(4) and (5) of Thailand’s Constitution, which require the Prime Minister to uphold integrity and adhere to ethical standards in public administration. The leaked audio, which went viral on 18 June, allegedly captured a conversation between Paetongtarn and Hun Sen, President of the Cambodian Senate, discussing matters related to the Thailand–Cambodia border — a topic with potential implications for national sovereignty.

The contents of the clip have drawn intense public criticism, with claims that it may constitute foreign interference and a breach of national principles. As a result, political pressure on Paetongtarn has continued to mount from multiple fronts.

With this court-ordered suspension, Paetongtarn is barred from performing any official functions as Prime Minister until the court delivers a final ruling — a development expected to have a significant impact on Thailand’s political stability in the near future.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
// ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
// Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

03/07/2025

Melayu Kindergarten (TADIKA) Teacher Detained by Thai Military in Bendang Setar, Reason for Arrest Remains Unknown

YALA, 1 July 2025 – A Malay kindergarten (TADIKA) teacher named Asman (surname withheld) was detained by Thai military forces at around 10:30 AM this morning in Bendang Kuwae Village, Bendang Setar Subdistrict, Bendang Setar District, Yala Province.

Reports indicate that Asman was resting at home when he was apprehended. He is also known locally as a community activist involved in various grassroots initiatives in the area.

According to local sources, he was taken by Thai soldiers to the Ranger Task Force 33 camp for further investigation. The village headman reportedly accompanied him during the arrest process.

As of now, no official statement has been released regarding the reason for Asman’s detention. The incident has raised concerns among local residents, particularly due to Asman’s reputation as an educator and community advocate.

Wartani will continue to monitor and report on any further developments related to this case.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

03/07/2025

15 Pro-Democracy Organizations Urge Prime Minister to Resign over Leaked Conversation with Hun Sen

BANGKOK, 30 June 2025 — A total of 15 civil society and pro-democracy organizations in Thailand have issued a joint statement calling for the Prime Minister to resign following the leak of a private audio recording between him and former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen — an incident they claim has damaged the credibility and national interest of Thailand.

The statement asserts that the incident reflects a power conflict between political dynasties in both countries, and the government's failure to provide transparent clarification has only deepened the public's trust crisis toward the current administration.

Three Key Demands:

1. The Prime Minister must resign as a responsible act in response to a scandal that threatens national stability and to pave the way for the democratic appointment of a new leader.

2. Strong rejection of all forms of extra-constitutional interference, including coups or manipulation by power groups, which have historically led to repeated failures and damaged international confidence in Thailand.

3. A call to amend the 2017 Constitution, which is seen as the root of the ongoing political crisis and a major obstacle to reform. They propose drafting a new constitution that is genuinely democratic and inclusive of public participation.

The 15 organizations emphasize that stepping down is an act of political accountability, a reflection of a mature democratic culture, and an honorable path to lead the country out of this political impasse.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
// ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
// Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

29/06/2025

EOD Destroys Suspicious Bomb-Like Objects in Phuket and Krabi, Possibly Linked to Patani Conflict

Phuket & Krabi, 26 June 2025 — The Thai Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has carried out operations to destroy several suspicious objects found in multiple locations across Phuket and Krabi. The actions followed reports of unknown items believed to pose public safety threats.

In Phuket, the EOD team swiftly destroyed a suspicious object found near Patong Beach, approximately 200 meters from Loma Public Park. The area was cordoned off and tightly secured to ensure the safety of civilians and tourists before the disposal operation was executed.

Around the same time, two additional locations in Krabi were targeted by EOD operations:

Near the Mahad wooden sculpture structure in front of Krabi town

At the Hat Noppharat Thara – Phi Phi Islands National Park signage area

All affected areas were tightly secured to prevent public risk. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the objects contained any actual explosives.

In addition, an abandoned motorbike found within the grounds of Krabi Provincial Grand Mosque also raised suspicion. Authorities are awaiting the arrival of an EOD team to conduct a detailed inspection.

So far, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. However, the Thai military has yet to confirm whether these incidents are connected to each other or possibly linked to the ongoing Patani conflict or national security issues. A thorough investigation and monitoring are still underway.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
// ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
// Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

29/06/2025

One Year Since the Murder of Abdul Ghani Doloh: Justice Still Eludes the Activist and Traditional Healer

25 June marks exactly one year since the brutal murder of Abdul Ghani, also known as Roning Doloh, a traditional healer and civil society activist who was shot dead in front of his home in Kampung Bango Kabu, Maemawi Subdistrict, Yarang District, Pattani Province in 2024.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. According to local eyewitnesses interviewed by Wartani News Agency, two individuals dressed in black uniforms were seen walking from the back of the house before opening fire, killing Roning on the spot.

Roning Doloh was widely known in the Patani region of southern Thailand not only for his work as a traditional medicine practitioner at a clinic in Yala, but also for his active involvement with “Duay Jai” (With Heart) — a grassroots group dedicated to human rights advocacy and fostering mutual understanding in the conflict-affected region.

Roning had previously been detained by authorities no fewer than five times on accusations related to national security. Despite this, he remained committed to his social and humanitarian work in pursuit of peace and justice.

Yet, one year on, the investigation into his murder has seen no significant progress. No arrests have been made, and the victim’s family — along with fellow civil society activists — continue to demand justice and raise concerns over the safety of social workers and activists in the region.

The loss of Abdul Ghani, or Roning Doloh, has come to symbolize the fragility of life for peacebuilders and human rights defenders in Thailand’s Deep South — a region where acts of violence persist amid a system that offers little protection or transparency.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
// ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
// Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

29/06/2025

[Analysis]
Cabinet Reshuffle in Bangkok, but the 'Patani Peace Issue' Remains Off the National Political Map

Bangkok, 24 June 2025 – The recent cabinet reshuffle in Thailand’s capital has been dominated by discourse surrounding “government stability” and “administrative efficiency.” Yet, what raises a pressing concern is the total absence of any mention of “Peace in Patani” or the “southern Thailand issue” in the strategic direction of the new government.

The Patani region continues to be perceived by Bangkok’s political elites merely as a ‘national security frontline’, rather than the ‘central heartland’ of a grassroots conflict that has persisted for over two decades.

No Political Will, No Responsible Office

Despite the replacement of the Minister of Defense and several key portfolios in economic and social sectors, not a single individual or mechanism has shown clear commitment to advancing or strengthening the peace dialogue — particularly the negotiation process between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN).

Since the 2023 general election, the new government has yet to appoint a fresh negotiation committee, even though a set of “General Principles” had been agreed upon back in 2022. This omission reflects the reality that the peace process in Patani is not a priority on the agenda of any Thai government to date.

“Resolving the Patani conflict in southern Thailand must be a national agenda — not merely the responsibility of the military or intelligence agencies.”

From a ‘Conflict Region’ to a ‘Voiceless Region’

The absence of any representative from Patani or individuals truly familiar with the region in the new Cabinet reflects a harsh truth: centralized politics in Bangkok still excludes rural regions, especially Patani, from meaningful participation.

This exclusion of Patani’s voice at the policy-making level effectively denies over two million residents their political rights in the national system.

One key reason Patani receives little priority is that the issue does not yield significant political returns in terms of votes. Major political parties that do not depend on MPs from the deep south see no necessity to take a strong stance on Patani’s future.

As a result, the matter is left to security agencies — when in reality, genuine peace requires a civil political approach and grassroots engagement, not merely top-down directives.

Cabinet Reshuffle Is Not a Rethinking Exercise

This reshuffle appears more like a rearrangement of power among Bangkok’s elite — disconnected not only from the geography but also from the realities, understanding, and empathy for the people of Patani.

If the government continues to overlook the fact that peace is a valuable political investment, and keeps treating Patani as a mere footnote in the national security strategy, Thailand will never achieve true and lasting stability.

References:

McCargo, D. (2008). Tearing Apart the Land: Islam and Legitimacy in Southern Thailand. Cornell University Press.

Deep South Watch (2024). Report on the Conflict Situation in Southern Thailand.

Peace Survey (2023). Public Views in Southern Thailand on Politics and the Peace Process.

Patani Forum (2022). The Politics of Invisibility: The Thai State and the Deep South.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

22/06/2025

United Nations Expresses Concern Over "Melayu Raya 2022" Case – Claims Violation of Malay Muslim Human Rights in Patani

27 February 2025 – The United Nations (UN), through its special mechanisms on human rights, has submitted a letter to the Thai government raising serious concerns over the prosecution of nine activists involved in organizing the Melayu Raya 2022 event in the southern provinces of Thailand.

In an official statement, the UN emphasized that the legal actions taken may constitute violations of fundamental rights, including:

the freedom of expression,

the right to peaceful assembly, and

the right to participate in cultural and religious life, particularly for the Malay Muslim community in the Patani region.

The UN’s special procedures also requested clarification from Thai authorities on the legal process being conducted, and sought assurances that human rights defenders and activists in conflict-affected areas would not be subject to arbitrary action or harassment.

This statement comes amid growing international concern over the state of civil liberties in southern Thailand, where activities showcasing ethnic and cultural identity often face scrutiny and challenges in terms of legality and acceptance by state authorities.

Source: TLHR2014.com

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

22/06/2025

Tragedy Strikes! Entire Teacher’s Family Killed After Being Rammed by Drunk Police Officer's Vehicle

TEPHA, 20 June 2025 – A wave of grief engulfed the local community after a horrifying car crash claimed the lives of a Malay Muslim family at a Monday night market in Kampung Lam Phlai, Thepha District, Songkhla around 8:00 p.m.

The vehicle ploughed into a food stall, killing three family members instantly — the father, mother, and their youngest son. The victims were identified as relatives of a teacher at Ban Phraphut Primary School, a rural school in the area.

The eldest son, a secondary school student currently studying in Satun Province, survived the tragedy but now faces the devastating reality of continuing life alone, having lost his entire family in a single night.

The heartbreak deepened after it was revealed that the driver was a member of the Thai General Operations Police Force (PGA), who was reportedly under the influence of alcohol at the time. The officer refused to cooperate with an on-site breathalyzer test and was instead taken to a hospital for a blood test — before being released without detention.

This incident has sparked public outrage, particularly around issues of law enforcement accountability and perceived delays in the pursuit of justice. The victims’ family and local residents are now demanding a transparent investigation and firm legal action to ensure justice is served and to prevent such tragedies in the future.

The loss has deeply affected the school community, teachers, students, and parents who knew the family closely.

---

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

19/05/2025

Married Couple Shot Dead in Front of Their Home in Raman District, Yala

YALA, 17 May 2025 – A shocking shooting incident took place this evening at around 7:30 PM local time, claiming the lives of a married couple in front of their home at No. 94, Village 2, Chakwa Subdistrict, Raman District, Yala Province. The attack has left the local community in shock.

The victims have been identified as:

Mr. Buraheeng Silaru, 48 years old (husband)

Ms. Siti Maliyah Abdulpaleh, 46 years old (wife)

Both were pronounced dead at the scene, having been repeatedly shot by unknown assailants. The number of suspects and the motive behind the attack remain unclear at this time.

Police officers from Raman Police Station, along with security personnel, arrived at the scene to conduct a preliminary investigation, collect forensic evidence, and interview residents and witnesses in the area.

Authorities have stated that the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify the perpetrators and uncover the motive behind this brutal murder. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

‎**"Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un"**
"Surely we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return."

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

17/05/2025

Bomb Explosion in Patani: One Police Officer Killed, Another Injured

PATANI, 16 May 2025 – One police officer has been confirmed dead, and another injured, following a bomb explosion in Kampung Beting, Teluk Dueraman Subdistrict, Kapor District, Patani Province, yesterday afternoon.

According to initial reports, the incident occurred at approximately 2:00 PM as officers from Kapor Police Station were on patrol in the area.

The explosion resulted in two officers being injured and transported to Kapor Hospital for treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Lieutenant Inspector Phanakhon Intha, Deputy Investigator of Kapor Police Station, who succumbed to severe injuries shortly after receiving medical attention.

The second officer, Corporal Tenjak Raksawong, suffered breathing difficulties due to the impact of the blast but is reported to be in stable condition.

The motive and perpetrators behind the attack are still under investigation by security authorities.

The public has been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

17/05/2025

When the Word “Visit” From Authorities Becomes a Nightmare at Our Home — A Reality Rarely Heard

Patani, Southern Thailand – Nasibah, a woman from Patani, has come forward to share a personal story that continues to haunt her and her family—an experience that has stripped away their sense of security in daily life.

Over the past two years, her family’s home has been targeted six times by unexpected visits from security forces:

5 June 2023

11 April 2023

11 May 2023

7 October 2023

9 July 2024

10 May 2025

Although these visits were described as mere "friendly visits", Nasibah said the reality felt far from peaceful. Instead, they involved dozens of officers and vehicles, entering their property without notice. These surprise operations created fear and pressure, transforming their home into a zone of anxiety.

> “That wasn’t a visit. It felt like a siege,” Nasibah recalled, her voice still heavy with trauma.

She described how unmarked cars often circled their home for hours, sometimes late into the night, leaving the family unable to sleep, terrified of what might come next.

> “We’ve done nothing wrong, but we’re forced to live in fear like this. It’s just not fair,” she added.

Nasibah clarified that she does not reject the authorities' duty to ensure security, but she pleaded for empathy and awareness of the psychological and emotional impact these operations have on the community—especially when they are conducted without explanation or sensitivity.

> “Why has no one learned from past mistakes? So many families have lost loved ones, taken away in panic during these raids—without any evidence, without explanation. Yet, no one has ever taken responsibility or improved these practices to make them safer for the people.”

Nasibah concluded with a clear appeal to the authorities:

> “If you really intend to visit, please inform us in advance. One car is enough. There’s no need to come in a convoy like you’re hunting down criminals. That’s terrifying. We feel surrounded, not visited.”

Nasibah’s story reflects a larger truth—that security cannot be achieved by instilling fear.
The duty to protect peace must come with responsibility—toward the feelings, dignity, and human rights of the people.
True peace is not just about enforcing security—it must also respect the lives and humanity of those living in Patani.

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี

17/05/2025

Parliamentary Defense Committee Exposes Over 70 Hidden Thai Military IO Projects, Proposes Budget Cuts for 2026

Bangkok, 15 May 2025 – Thailand’s Parliamentary Defense Committee has revealed the existence of over 70 suspected Information Operations (IO) projects concealed within the budgets of security agencies, including the Thai military, ISOC, and the police. The revelation came after an engagement session with the Budget Bureau, the Department of the Comptroller General, and the Office of the Auditor General.

The investigation aims to trace state funds allegedly channeled to a secret unit known as the “Joint Operations Center”, accused of conducting IO campaigns to target civil society leaders, activists, and citizens in Patani, southern Thailand. These activities reportedly include spreading fake news, breaching personal data, and other cyber-crimes, all allegedly funded by taxpayer money.

According to the Budget Bureau, this unit does not receive direct allocations but is believed to operate under the National Security Strategic Plan, with a budget exceeding 3.29 billion baht in 2025, and projected to surpass 3 billion baht again in 2026.

The Comptroller General’s Department confirmed that tracing these expenditures is feasible since all government transactions must pass through Thailand’s electronic accounting system (New GFMIS). By providing the relevant budget codes, auditors can access all supporting documents for review.

Several projects suspected of running IO operations use classified budget codes, such as “TD.601/ทบ.601”, “TD.602/ทบ.602”, and “SPK.6484/ศปก.6484”, reportedly linked to MOUs dating back to 1987. The committee plans to send an official letter to the Minister of Defense demanding further clarification.

The Office of the Auditor General recommended that the investigation should not only focus on financial transparency but also review the legal compliance and effectiveness of these projects.

---

IO: Propaganda Warfare in Patani and Across Thailand

There have been several past revelations concerning military-led information operations in Thailand. For example, in December 2023, the political group "Kongress Maju" exposed the existence of over 54,000 Twitter accounts allegedly operated by the military to spread state-sponsored propaganda and fake news.

In 2020, Wiroj Lakkhanaadisorn, then an MP from the Move Forward Party (now Fair Party), revealed in parliament that IO campaigns were linked to former Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, accusing the government of using these operations to incite division and manipulate public opinion.

These revelations have sparked concerns over the misuse of public funds for operations designed to manipulate narratives and undermine information integrity in Thailand, particularly in the conflict-ridden Patani region.

Military IO campaigns have increasingly targeted Patani-origin activists, local politicians, NGOs, journalists, and even religious leaders, accusing them of supporting separatism.

According to Kannavee Suebsang, a politician, human rights activist, and Secretary-General of the Fair Party (Phak Pen Tham):

> "Journalists reporting on peace are accused of being BRN sympathizers. NGOs working for peace are labeled BRN allies. MPs advocating for security are branded as BRN representatives. So who is left to be considered the 'good guys'? If this continues, when will peace ever be achieved?

Let us be the witnesses for peace in PATANI
ร่วมเป็นสักขีพยานเพื่อสันติภาพ ณ ปาตานี
Bersama kita menjadi saksi demi kedamaian di PATANI

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