On 8 February 2013, Mr. Manasvi Srisodapol, Director-General of the Department of Information and Spokesperson of  Ministry of Foreign Affairs, gave a press interview on the Final Communiqué endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Member States during its 12^th Islamic Summit on 6-7 February 2013 in Cairo, in particular the statement concerning Thailand:

                        “73- We commend the efforts of the Secretary General in following up the situation of Muslims in Southern Thailand, and were encouraged by the Government of Thailand’s continued efforts to overcome the obstacles in the implementation of the commitments included in the 2007 Joint Statement. We express hope that the Government of Thailand will make further constructive steps and request the Secretary General to cooperate with the Government of Thailand and to pursue constructive dialogue in the interest of Muslims in Southern Thailand towards the achievement of peace and stability therein.”

                        Mr. Manasvi stated that the Thai side is satisfied with the statement, which shows that OIC Member States have confidence in and are supportive of the Thai Government’s efforts to overcome the challenges relating to the southern border provinces (SBPs) of Thailand. To find a long-term resolution, it is important to generate constructive momentum and support for the Thai Government's determination to end the violence, improve people’s livelihoods and promote greater participation by the local people. Importantly, all parties should be united in expressing their opposition to those who have continued to commit violence in the SBPs, especially against innocent civilians.

                        In November 2012, the 39^th Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC (OIC CFM 39) issued a resolution criticizing the Thai government’s handling of the situation in the SBPs, while ignoring the acts of violence and terror that impeded government efforts in the area.  In response, Mr. Surapong Tovichakchaikul, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, sent a letter to the Secretary General of OIC expressing disappointment with the resolution and reaffirming that Thailand would nonetheless continue to work with the OIC on the basis of mutual understanding and respect.

                       Thailand also took other steps to improve the OIC’s understanding of the Southern situation. During official visits to Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, Mr. Surapong reiterated the Thai Government’s determination to resolve the situation and requested OIC Member States to lend their support.  On 31 January 2013, he also led a delegation of 18 ambassadors and diplomatic representatives from OIC Member States to visit Muslim communities in the southern provinces and a Rohingya camp site.

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