Defence minister to testify on Tak Bai massacre case expiration

The House Committee on Southern Border Peace plans to summon three key officials to address the impending expiration of the statute of limitations in the Tak Bai massacre case, set to expire on October 25.

Among the officials summoned is Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, who is scheduled to appear before the committee tomorrow.

The Tak Bai massacre, which occurred on October 25, 2004, in Narathiwat’s Tak Bai district, resulted in the deaths of 85 people. Families of the victims and the injured have pursued legal action against the responsible officials. In August, the Narathiwat Provincial Court accepted the case for trial.

Concerns have arisen over seven defendants who have not appeared before the Narathiwat Provincial Court. Their absence has stalled the judicial process, and if they do not appear, the case will conclude without further investigation or prosecution. Although arrest warrants have been issued, none of the defendants have been apprehended, according to a source.

Pannika Wanich, spokesperson for the committee and a core member of the Progressive Movement, stated yesterday that the committee, which includes academics, state officials, and local MPs, is worried about the consequences if the case expires. To address these concerns, the committee has decided to call relevant parties for a discussion tomorrow to seek a solution if the case cannot proceed, Pannika said.

“The political status of General Pisal Wattanawongkiri, one of the defendants and a former ruling Pheu Thai Party member, has no bearing on the case.

“MPs are not eligible for immunity once they are defendants in a court case. Therefore, Gen. Pisal’s recent resignation from the party does not alter any legal procedures.”

The other two officials to be summoned are National Security Council deputy secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad and Fourth Army commander Major General Paisan Noosang.

Pannika also highlighted that the meeting aims to support peace negotiations in the deep south and assess whether the situation might escalate. She urged the government to show its political will to bring the defendants in the Tak Bai case to justice, reported Bangkok Post.

“If the government fails to act, it could impact ongoing peace negotiations,” she warned.