9-7-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin of Thailand has announced plans for a significant meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on August 3rd, set to take place in one of Thailand’s southern border provinces. The high-level talks are expected to centre on ongoing peace negotiations in the region, with Malaysia playing a crucial mediating role between the Thai government and insurgent groups.
While the exact location remains undecided, the meeting will be held in either Yala, Pattani, or Narathiwat province. “My team is currently finalising the arrangements,” Prime Minister Srettha stated, emphasising the importance of the upcoming dialogue.
In addition to the peace talks, the Thai premier is set to embark on a visit to Udon Thani in the Northeast to assess measures against drug trafficking. National Police Chief Pol General Torsak Sukvimol will accompany the Prime Minister on this mission, underlining the government’s commitment to tackling the narcotics trade.
The announcement follows a meeting between Srettha and Torsak at Government House, where they discussed a range of issues including the suppression of drug smuggling, contraband items, and online gambling. Notably, Srettha refuted media speculation about Torsak’s potential resignation before his mandatory retirement on September 30th.
The Prime Minister’s agenda also touched upon internal police matters, including the recent reinstatement of Torsak as police commissioner-general and the dismissal of his deputy, Pol General Surachate Hakparn, over alleged links to an online gambling network.
Addressing rumours surrounding a withdrawn lawsuit filed by former national police chief Pol General Seripisut Temiyavej, Srettha maintained his distance from the matter. He denied any discussions with former Prime Ministers Thaksin Shinawatra and Yingluck Shinawatra regarding the lawsuit, stating, “I have never discussed Seripisut’s lawsuit with either Thaksin or Yingluck. I don’t know Seripisut personally either.”
On the economic front, Srettha dismissed concerns about the Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives’ (BAAC) ability to allocate 170 billion baht towards the government’s 500-billion baht digital wallet scheme. He assured that the government committee overseeing the project is in close contact with the BAAC regarding the allocation.
“We seek the Council of State’s opinion on every issue anyway,” Srettha added, normalising the process of seeking legal counsel on such matters.
