Government set to form new peace negotiation team

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In: South-East Asia

PUBLISHED: 30 Jan 2025 at 07: 04

Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai and his Malaysian counterpart, Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, 2nd from left, jointly chair the 56th General Border Committee meeting that Thailand hosted in Bangkok on Wednesday. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)
Phumtham Wechayachai, the defense minister, and Dato’s Sari Haji Mohamed Khaled al Nordin, the equivalent of Malaysia, are co-chairs of the 56th General Border Committee meeting that Thailand held on Wednesday in Bangkok. ( Photo: Somchai Poomlard )

According to Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, a new government peace negotiation team may be established to deal with the Deep South’s ongoing issue.

Mr. Phumtham stated on Wednesday that he has not yet decided who did lead the new staff, but it might be the former or a newcomer. A detailed analysis of the methods used to end the decades-old insurrection will determine the choice.

Former deputy prime minister Srettha Thavisin’s deputy secretary-general of the National Security Council ( NSC), Chatchai Bangchuad, previously held the position of chief negotiator in peace negotiations.

But, since Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s new session, a new dialogue group has yet to be selected.

Mr. Phumtham emphasized the need to avoid additional difficulties by calling on the government to hold conversations with all partners within two weeks to set up the new team.

He expressed worry about the region’s rising incidence of violent problems.

He questioned whether the country’s current strategy is moving toward lasting peace, and emphasized the need for a readjustment given that the conflict has endured for more than 20 times without magnification.

Despite past conversations, he said, a stalemate has never been properly reached.

This raises questions about whether the opposing political and military organizations are actually at odds with one another, he said. If they are, a peace deal may be possible, if never, more negotiations may prove inadequate.

The government was recently criticized by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu-Patani ( BRN ) rebel group for putting together a new negotiation team and urging the leaders to show a sincere commitment to peace.

Following Ms. Paetongtarn’s official visit to Malaysia on December 16 where she met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to explore bilateral assistance, including efforts to foster harmony in Thailand’s southern border regions, the BRN issued a statement expressing concern about the pause.

Mr Phumtham, who is also the defence secretary, reaffirmed that the government is actively addressing the Deep South’s issues.