BANGKOK: Thaksin Shinawatra’s tenure as Prime Minister carries a deep scar, especially concerning the unrest in Thailand's three southernmost provinces. His attempts to restore peace only seemed to escalate tensions, leading to widespread violence and numerous casualties.
One infamous moment came with Thaksin's use of the phrase “petty criminals” to describe insurgents. This statement intensified the confrontation between insurgent groups and state authorities, resulting in ongoing conflict to this day.
