Top Police Official Visits Southern Border, Faces Questions Over Politician's Shooting
A senior police official visiting southern Thailand's border region faced questions about an alleged shooting attack on a local MP, as residents expressed frustration over ongoing political violence in Narathiwat Province.
Police General Tawee, a member of parliament on the party list and head of the Palang Pracharat Party, traveled to southern border provinces on September 27, 2025, in his capacity as an adviser to the House Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights. His visit mixed warm community engagement with sharp undercurrents of security concerns and political assassination attempts in the region.
Tawee first attended a wedding celebration for Arifan Jae-ae, son of former Palang Pracharat candidate Pausi, in Bang Khun Thong Subdistrict, Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province. He mingled with villagers in the kitchen and demonstrated fish-frying skills, creating a favorable impression. During his community walk, residents raised complaints about bridge construction needs and transportation difficulties, asking for his support.
A significant moment came when a man who was a former security suspect in the area raised questions about the shooting of MP Kamlasak Leewamaew of Narathiwat. He asked pointedly why soldiers and former soldiers with military vehicles and weapons shot at the MP, noting that local residents had questioned the circumstances. He expressed emotional distress, saying that everyone in the area was heartbroken by the attack on Kamlasak, who was beloved by locals.
Tawee then attended another wedding for Nani Takbai in Koh Sadon Subdistrict, Tak Bai District. There he met with Senator Fakruddin Boto, owner of Darussalam Islamic School in Rangae District. Fakruddin characterized the assassination attempt on MP Kamlasak as "our problem," reflecting deep wounds in the area. Fakruddin himself had been a victim of violence on August 6, 2006, when gunmen shot him in the neck outside Darussalam School in a town municipal area, injuring him severely. Though two decades have passed, the scars of political violence remain a defining local issue.
The visit concluded with a charity event (Waqf) in Patani Province aimed at raising funds to establish an office for the Islamic School Association covering five southern border provinces.
