Death of a southern peace advocate

The death on March 14 of Mrs Jiraporn Bunnag, former deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council, represents a great loss for the peace advocacy movement in the three southernmost border provinces. 

          Mrs Jiraporn played a crucial role in the informal peace talk between the government and separatist groups.  She was also a driving force behind the national language policy – a joint project between the NSC and the Royal Academy to formulate national language policy with an aim to change the attitude of the majority in the Thai society to accept the languages of the other ethnic minority groups in the society.

          Although retired from government service several years ago, Mrs Jiraporn was still very active at work in her capacities as a member of several Senate and House committees and as an advisor to several organisations, including King Prajadhipok Institute.

          A workaholic, it was reported that even when she was sick with cancer, she still continued to work.  While serving as NSC deputy secretary-general, she played a key role in the secret peace talks between the government and separatist groups.  She worked closely with Ahmad Somboon Bualuang, an independent scholar on peace issue, who died in Sweden in September last year.

          General Ekachai Srivilas, director of peace and good governance office of the KPI, said he felt sorry for Mrs Jiraporn’s death.  He praised her of being a hard-working woman who could be a model citizen for Thai youths.

          Mrs Angkhana Nilapaichit, widow of missing Muslim lawyer Somchai, commended Mrs Jiraporn for being the first person who raised the iss ue of human security while others talked about national security.

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Caption : Jiraporn Bunnag