KOTA BARU: The people of southern Thailand have expressed strong support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's role in promoting peace and stability in the region.

Five Southern Provinces of Thailand Administrative Board deputy chairman, Abdul Aziz Che Mamat, said Anwar's success in representing Malaysia as Asean chair and brokering peace between Thailand and Cambodia was warmly welcomed by the Thai people.

He said Anwar's leadership in mediating tensions, which led to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire between the two countries, was an exemplary effort.

"The people of Thailand, especially the Muslims in the southern provinces, greatly welcome this peace initiative by the Malaysian Prime Minister. We pray that Allah rewards Prime Minister Anwar for his noble efforts. We also hope that Malaysia, under his leadership, will continue playing the role of facilitator in the southern Thailand peace process, so that it too can yield positive outcomes," said Abdul Aziz, who is also the deputy president of the Narathiwat Religious Council.

Featured Videos

He said the Muslim population in southern Thailand felt fortunate to have a neighbouring country like Malaysia that shares religious and cultural ties with them.

On July 28, Malaysia, as the Asean chair, hosted a special meeting involving Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayacha in Kuala Lumpur. After the meeting, Anwar announced that both countries had agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.

Hun said the immediate and unconditional ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand marked the beginning of efforts to rebuild trust, confidence, and cooperation between the two countries.

Phumtham said the outcome reflected Thailand's commitment to a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution, while continuing to protect its sovereignty and the lives of its people.