Police General Tawee Makes Merit Offerings at Buddhist and Chinese Temples in Tak Bai and Sungai Kolok; Community Rallies to Support Justice and Safety

On May 1, Police General Tawee Sadsong, leader of the Palang Prachachon Party, visited Narathiwat province, beginning with a morning discussion at a local restaurant to listen to residents' concerns. The highlight occurred at Hiranyawat Temple in Tak Bai district, where Tawee served as lay presider for a foundation stone ceremony, with senior monks including Dharmmavachara as ecclesiastical presider and nine distinguished monks attending. The temple, over 100 years old, serves as a symbol of the border region and national identity. Tawee emphasized the importance of preserving local identity and the Jah-hey dialect, which represents cross-border friendship with Malaysia, describing the merit-making as an expression of pride in maintaining culture. Local residents expressed faith in Tawee's leadership and sought blessings for his safety amid current turbulent political circumstances. Community members voiced frustration over the Kamalsakdi case, questioning why the perpetrator remained at large despite clear evidence and criticizing Region 4 Commander's inappropriate public statements. Tawee subsequently visited Mae To Mo Chinese Shrine in Sungai Kolok district for ceremonial worship, presenting donations for temple maintenance and public welfare activities. A shrine committee member expressed prayers for Tawee's safety and protection from ill-intentioned individuals. This visit coincided with the 40th-day anniversary of the Kamalsakdi case, creating doubt and suspicion in the Narathiwat area. Tawee's meetings with both Buddhist and ethnic Thai-Chinese communities underscored the Palang Prachachon Party's commitment as a reliable force for all religions in the southern border region during the current political turbulence.