Thai PM Apologizes for Tak Bai Massacre

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra issued a formal apology for the Tak Bai massacre, which resulted in the deaths of 78 to 85 Muslims during a security crackdown in 2004. The incident, which occurred under her father Thaksin Shinawatra's administration, involved demonstrators being suffocated while detained in army trucks, drawing international condemnation. As the 20-year statute of limitations on legal proceedings nears expiration, no officials have been held accountable despite several failed prosecutions. Paetongtarn emphasized the need to prevent such violence from reoccurring and expressed sorrow for the victims' families, noting that compensation had been provided. The prime minister stated that extending the statute of limitations would violate constitutional law, while activists continue to push for accountability. The massacre remains a pivotal event in Thailand's ongoing challenges with separatist insurgency and violence in the southern region.