On October 25, 2019, members of the Muslim Students Federation converged on a skywalk in the bustling Pathumwan district of Bangkok. This gathering solemnly marked the 15th anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre, a dark stain on Thailand’s history. The tragedy unfolded in 2004, leaving a trail of sorrow and unresolved justice, and the shadow of this event continues to loom large today.
Fast forward to the present, and the Narathiwat Criminal Court is ramping up efforts to bring closure to the wounds of Tak Bai. Arrest warrants have been issued for six defendants who failed to appear for questioning on a recent Thursday. They were part of a group of seven individuals slated to stand before the court for witness questioning and evidence examination, but inexplicably, none of them showed up.
Adding to the complexity of the case, a summons has been issued for the seventh defendant, former Army Region 4 commander Gen Pisal Wattanawongkiri. Currently, Gen Pisal enjoys immunity as a Pheu Thai Party list-MP, a factor that has entwined a web of political protection around him. The expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations on October 25 adds a ticking clock to the ongoing legal quagmire.
Flicking through the pages of history, the Tak Bai massacre is a harrowing tale of mishandled demonstrations in the southern province of Narathiwat. In 2004, a demonstration spiraled disastrously out of control, resulting in the death of seven protesters who were shot dead. Even more tragically, 78 others died from suffocation while being piled on top of each other in army trucks. Then-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra issued an apology for the massacre but fell short of accepting full responsibility. To date, no one has faced prosecution for these grave human rights violations, yet the families of 48 victims remain relentless in their pursuit of justice.
In August, the court accepted a lawsuit filed by these bereaved families, illuminating a glimmer of hope amid the perpetuating darkness. However, the legal journey remains fraught with delays and uncertainties. “If the accused don’t show up at the next hearing, the court will likely have more measures so the justice process can continue,” said Rassada Manurassada, one of the lawyers tirelessly advocating for the victims’ families.
The crackdown in Tak Bai unfolded under martial law and was one of the deadliest incidents amid a separatist insurgency that simmered anew in 2004. This insurgency has since claimed more than 7,600 lives, making it one of Thailand’s most prolonged and bloody conflicts.
The court’s arrest warrants have cast a wide net, targeting individuals who once held significant authority. They include Maj Gen Chaloemchai Wirunpetch, a former 5th Infantry Division commander; Pol Gen Wongkot Maneejan, a former director of the operations center of the Royal Thai Police front office; Pol Lt Gen Manoj Kraiwong, a former chief of Provincial Police Region 9; Pol Maj Gen Saksommai Phutthakul, a former superintendent of the Tak Bai police station; Siwa Saengmanee, a former deputy director of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Centre; and Wichom Thongsong, a former Narathiwat governor.
According to U-seng Dolah, a lawyer representing the Muslim Attorney Centre Foundation, the defendants had the option to send their lawyers to request a postponement of their court appearance until the statute of limitations expired. Yet, no such representative appeared, prompting the court to issue arrest warrants to ensure the juridical process marched forward.
The stakes are high as the House Speaker, Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, noted he had yet to receive the court petition concerning Gen Pisal, who is expected to stand trial in the Narathiwat Criminal Court on October 15. The sands of time are slipping away, and the question remains: Will justice be served before the clock runs out?
As the world continues to watch, the hope is that this overdue trial for the Tak Bai massacre will finally provide some semblance of closure and justice for the victims and their families. The path to justice has been long and arduous, but the weight of history demands that these attempts to right past wrongs not be in vain.
How can anyone still defend Gen Pisal after all this time? There has been no accountability!
It’s not that simple. His immunity as an MP complicates things legally.
Immunity should never stand in the way of justice. It’s unfair to the victims and their families.
Exactly, Jenny! The legal system should protect the innocent, not shield the guilty.
I think it’s more about the political power play than actual justice at this point. Gen Pisal is just a pawn.
It’s been 20 years! How can justice be delayed for so long?
Sadly, this is how the system works here. Those in power get to avoid consequences.
Can we really say justice is served if it happens after two decades?
Why haven’t any international human rights organizations stepped in more forcefully?
Many organizations have tried, but the political landscape in Thailand is tricky. Intervention isn’t easy.
Exactly, international pressure can only do so much. It’s up to local forces to make real changes.
I was a child when this happened, and it’s still a horrifying chapter in our history. How do we let this happen?
The corruption in the Thai military is so deep. This is just one example of many injustices.
Corruption is everywhere, not just the military. But yes, the military needs reform.
Reform is easier said than done. Too many vested interests.
Thaksin Shinawatra issued an apology but never took full responsibility. Typical politician move.
He did what many leaders do—pass the buck. But that doesn’t excuse the inaction since then.
Politicians are all the same everywhere. Apologies mean nothing without action.
Absolutely, Aleesha! Words without actions are just empty promises.
Honestly, this case highlights the broader issues in our legal system. How can this be fixed?
Comprehensive judicial reform is the start, but it will require the political will that’s sorely lacking.
The fact that the court even issued arrest warrants is a small step forward. Let’s hope they show up next time.
Insurgencies have plagued our southern provinces for too long. Is there no end in sight?
Peace talks have been tried and failed so many times. The root issues need to be addressed.
I agree, but the government doesn’t seem to prioritize this.
What took so long for the court to issue arrest warrants? They’ve had years to do this!
Bureaucracy moves at a snail’s pace, especially when high-ranking officials are involved.
At least the families are relentless. Their persistence is inspiring, even if the process is flawed.
This is a textbook case of how power and politics intertwine to delay justice. At least the spotlight is back on this case.
Would love to see actual punishment for those responsible, but I’m not holding my breath.
Alright, politics and immunity aside, what about the victims? They deserve closure, plain and simple.
Couldn’t agree more. The focus should always be on the victims and their families.
I can’t believe those involved still haven’t faced justice. It’s a disgrace to our nation.
It’s a clear failure of our judiciary system. Makes one lose faith, honestly.