Thaksin Shinawatra Seeks Forgiveness From Muslims Over 2004 Tak Bai Massacre

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has publicly sought forgiveness from Muslims for the 2004 Tak Bai massacre, where 78 protesters suffocated in army trucks during a crackdown, Anadolu Agency reported. Speaking at a school in Narathiwat province, Thaksin acknowledged potential mistakes that may have caused public dissatisfaction, stating, “If mistakes were made… I would like to ask for forgiveness so I can help solve the problems.”

The Tak Bai incident occurred on October 25, 2004, following the arrest of six village defense volunteers suspected of supplying weapons to insurgents. Mass protests ensued, leading to the detention of demonstrators and their transport to a military base, where many died due to suffocation.

This apology marks the first time Thaksin has addressed the massacre directly. In October 2024, his daughter, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, also issued an apology on behalf of the government, expressing sorrow for the events of two decades ago.