Knockout Punch - Anuthin Confident About Southern Unrest Ending?

Throughout more than 20 years of government changes, one key policy always questioned is how to resolve the unrest in the southern border provinces. The southern border issue, or 'Southern Fire', has long been a persistent challenge. Any government that can alleviate the situation or move towards sustainable peace would achieve an outstanding accomplishment. After the February 8, 2024 election, Anuthin Charnvirakul, leader of the Bhumjai Thai Party and election winner, spoke hopefully about resolving the southern conflict. He stated, 'We now have 12 more Muslim parliamentarians. We believe we can bring peace, unity, and order to the southern provinces, with increased hope. What we all share is our Thai identity.' Currently, the situation remains tense, with pre-election incidents involving militants bombing and burning multiple fuel stations across three southern provinces. These provocative actions challenge the new government to develop an approach to addressing the ongoing conflict.