Thai and Malaysian PMs Pledge Cooperation to Curb Southern Thailand Violence

Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and her Malaysian counterpart, Anwar Ibrahim, have vowed to deepen bilateral efforts to address the escalating violence in Thailand’s southern border provinces, which has claimed civilian lives and threatened regional stability. In a phone call on Thursday, the leaders discussed joint initiatives, including a new cross-border road link and enhanced ASEAN cooperation, to foster peace and development in the restive region.

A Shared Commitment to Peace

The call, initiated by Paetongtarn, followed a surge in insurgent attacks in Thailand’s deep south, particularly in Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces. According to Thai police, 18 recent attacks, attributed to separatist groups, have targeted civilians and security forces, disrupting local communities. Paetongtarn expressed deep concern over the civilian toll, emphasizing the need for collaborative action to restore stability.

Anwar, speaking from Kuala Lumpur, reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s peace efforts. He acknowledged the violence’s detrimental impact on border development, a priority for both nations. The leaders agreed to jointly inaugurate a new road connecting Sadao in Thailand to Bukit Kayu Hitam in Malaysia by year-end, a project expected to boost trade and connectivity. If successful, the road could facilitate dialogue with local communities, though its impact on reducing violence remains unconfirmed.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

The discussion built on Anwar’s April 2025 visit to Thailand, where both nations outlined plans for a mini joint cabinet meeting to coincide with the road’s opening. This meeting aims to advance cooperation in trade, security, and cultural exchange. Paetongtarn reiterated the importance of developing the border region, home to a significant Malay-Muslim population, to address economic disparities that fuel unrest.

Thailand’s southern provinces have been plagued by a decades-long insurgency led by ethnic Malay-Muslim separatist groups seeking greater autonomy. Since 2004, the conflict has claimed over 7,000 lives, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. The Thai government has pursued peace talks, facilitated by Malaysia, but progress has been halting. Anwar’s pledge to assist reflects Malaysia’s strategic interest in a stable border, though no concrete proposals were detailed in the call.

ASEAN’s Role in Regional Stability

Paetongtarn also voiced support for Malaysia’s leadership as the 2025 ASEAN chair, urging closer regional cooperation amid global trade uncertainties. She endorsed ASEAN-led humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, where ongoing conflict has displaced thousands. Both leaders expressed optimism about the upcoming 46th ASEAN Summit, set for late May, as a platform to strengthen regional unity.

Malaysia’s role as a mediator in Thailand’s peace process underscores ASEAN’s broader commitment to conflict resolution. However, analysts caution that ASEAN’s consensus-based approach may limit its effectiveness in addressing complex insurgencies. If reforms to ASEAN’s framework enhance its mediation capacity, as some diplomats hope, the region could see progress in Myanmar and southern Thailand. No evidence yet confirms such reforms.

Challenges and Cautions

The violence in Thailand’s south remains a complex challenge, rooted in historical grievances and socio-economic marginalization. Thai police have linked recent attacks to established insurgent groups, though specific motives are unclear. Paetongtarn’s government faces pressure to balance security operations with community engagement, avoiding heavy-handed tactics that could alienate locals.

Public sentiment, as reflected on X, reveals frustration among southern residents over persistent insecurity, with some praising Malaysia’s involvement and others skeptical of quick fixes. The road project, while promising, carries risks if local communities are not consulted, as past infrastructure initiatives have sparked protests.

Applying Insight to Look Forward

The Paetongtarn-Anwar call signals a renewed push for Thai-Malaysian collaboration, but tangible outcomes depend on sustained dialogue and local buy-in. The road link and joint cabinet meeting are positive steps, yet their success hinges on addressing the insurgency’s root causes. As ASEAN prepares for its summit, the region watches closely for signs of progress in one of Southeast Asia’s longest-running conflicts.