National —
Thai officials are preparing to investigate a poll conducted by college students in the southern border province of Pattani, Thailand, which asked citizens if they supported the idea of separating Pattani from the rest of the country.
The controversial poll was conducted during an event hosted by the Faculty of Political Science of Prince of Songkla University in Pattani, which asked spectators, “Do you agree with the right for the people of Pattani to exercise their right to self-determination within the boundaries of the law?”
Participants were given the option to vote “Agree” or “Disagree.” The voting was open to residents of Pattani, Narathiwat, Yala, and Songkhla provinces, according to reports.
Recently, General Suphot Malaniyom, secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC) revealed that on Monday, June 12th, the NSC council will hold a meeting to discuss the above matter.
He said the meeting was in response to Caretaker Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha’s concerns that the poll might lead to conflicts within the country. He, therefore, ordered an investigation to uncover the truth and to ensure that legal actions will taken fairly if those involved are found guilty.
“Engaging in the act of voting for secession is a violation of the law and cannot be carried out. It does not benefit the people because the role of elected representatives in the Parliament, who have recently been elected, is already responsible for representing the desires and issues of the people and finding solutions within the legislative framework,” said General Suphot.
Under Article 1 of the Constitution, Thailand is an indivisible kingdom.
In a separate incident, an officer, Pol. Lt. Cpl. Phichak Buakaew, who was working at a train station in Pattani, was gunned down in a drive-by incident by an unidentified suspect who was wearing a burqa to conceal their identity and weapon.
The criminal was in a group of four. One railway official was also injured by the shooting. The suspects managed to seize the firearms of the deceased officer and fled the scene.
Officials are still hunting for the suspects as of press time.
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