Police Chief Warns Against Repeating Dark History After Activist's Death
A police official honored a prominent Islamic educator who warned against repeating Thailand's history of political violence, citing the unsolved assassinations of southern activists and a recent MP's murder.
On September 4, Deputy Police Commissioner Thawee Sodchorn, a Member of Parliament and People's Party leader serving as advisor to the Parliamentary Justice and Human Rights Committee, visited Sai Buri Islamic School in Sai Buri district, Pattani province, to pay respects to the family of Dato Nider Waba (Nider Waba), the school's founder and principal, who passed away peacefully on August 31 at age 88—one day before his 89th birthday.
The delegation included school staff, faculty from Prince of Songkhla University's Islamic Studies Faculty, local administrators, and Abdulhalim Minsaah, mayor of Taluban. Thawee praised Dato Nider Waba as a valuable community leader, educator, and advocate for stability and security who exemplified coexistence among Thailand's diverse population.
"He always said that Muslim and Malay brothers and sisters all have national ID cards—they are part of our shared love and unity, and despite our differences, we must live together," Thawee said.
Thawee noted that Dato Nider Waba was instrumental in inspiring the founding of the People's Party, wanting people from the southern border region to participate constructively in parliament. He emphasized that education is the only path to sustainable social development.
Thawee revealed that in recent conversations, Dato Nider Waba expressed deep concern about the case of Kamlasak Liwamaoh, a Narathiwat MP from the People's Party who was assassinated. Dato Nider Waba drew parallels to historical events in the southern border region, including the deaths of Hayi Sulong and Du Songyor—activists who entered politics through parliamentary processes but were allegedly murdered by state officials.
"In the past, when injustice occurred and political workers were killed, if the other side did not respond with mercy and reform, violence would return," Thawee explained, citing Dato Nider Waba's warning. The elder leader urged the People's Party and its activists to persevere through this difficult period without losing resolve.
