(AseanAll)  — Efforts are underway to urgently address the long-standing southern conflict through regional dialogue and joint economic development.

According to National Broadcasting Services of Thailand (NBT) on April 24,2025, Phumtham Wechayachai, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, acknowledged that resolving the southern unrest is not an easy task, given its deep-rooted and long-standing nature. 

He noted that it remains a shared priority between the Prime Ministers of Thailand and Malaysia, both of whom are committed to finding urgent solutions and advancing economic development in the southern border provinces.

Phumtham commented on the participation of Chatchai Bangchuad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council, in the ASEAN Security Council meeting in Malaysia. He indicated that the southern issue remains a central topic in bilateral talks. The recent discussions between Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, reflected a mutual understanding and urgency to address the matter.

The Thai Defense Minister reiterated that although the issue is complex and cannot be resolved overnight, the joint intention is to push for long-term peace through economic progress in the area. He also hinted at additional ongoing efforts being implemented under the same development framework.