ISTANBUL

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra Sunday sought forgiveness from Muslims over the massacre of 78 protesters who suffocated in army trucks in southern Thailand two decades ago, according to local media.

"If mistakes were made that caused dissatisfaction among the people, I would like to ask for forgiveness so I can help solve the problems," the local Thai PBS quoted Thaksin as saying.

Thaksin, who was the premier at the time of the massacre in 2004, made his remarks while addressing teachers and officials at a school located in the southwestern province of Narathiwat.

He said Muslims share an important value, understanding, and a readiness to forgive, as he offered an apology, which is believed to be the first such apology offered by Thaksin.

The Tak Bai massacre occurred on Oct. 25, 2004, after six village defense volunteers in the southern Narathiwat province were arrested on Oct. 19 on suspicion of handing over their government-issued guns to insurgents.

The arrests triggered mass demonstrations, and hundreds gathered at the Tak Bai police station, leading to a subsequent crackdown on demonstrators.

Security officials detained dozens and transported them to a military base in neighboring Pattani province, where 78 people Muslims died from suffocation when they were piled up on army trucks on their way to the base.

The court case related to the incident was delayed for years and ended in 2024, when it was dismissed due to the expiration of the 20-year statute of limitations, with no officials being imprisoned.

No one has ever surrendered nor taken responsibility for the massacre, and no one has been arrested in the case.

Last October, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thaksin's daughter, apologized for the Tak Bai massacre.

"I apologize on behalf of the government for what happened in Tak Bai 20 years ago. I feel sorry for those affected," said Paetongtarn.