Thai tensions thaw as peace talks resume between NSC and BRN

[webfact]

 

Peace talks between Thailand’s National Security Council (NSC) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) are set to continue next month, despite recent setbacks, according to deputy spokeswoman Rudklao Suwankiri. This announcement follows a series of arson attacks on March 22 in Yala, Pattani, Narathiwat and Songkhla, and indications that 45 other locations are likely targets during the holy month of Ramadan.

 

Rudklao emphasised the need for the BRN to halt the attacks in the Deep South, stating that the ongoing peace negotiations would benefit both Thai and Malaysian teams, given Malaysia’s role as a facilitator in the process. The NSC deputy secretary-general, Chatchai Bangchuad, who heads the government’s team, revealed that the two sides are due to hold a technical-level discussion at the end of April to discuss the Joint Comprehensive Plan towards Peace (JCPP).

 

Previous discussions took place on February 20 and March 7–8, resulting in some positive feedback, despite areas of disagreement. According to Chatchai, both parties had agreed in principle on the JCPP’s details, with the BRN agreeing to guidelines concerning the legal framework for allegations and a cessation of violent attacks.

“This is a positive sign that there is still a discussion process.”

The upcoming meeting in April is expected to see further progress on the technical details, with the 2022 General Principles of the Peace Dialogue Process focusing on reducing violence, public discussion and potential political solutions.

 

Addressing last week’s arson attacks in the four southern border provinces, Rudklao suggested that insurgents’ motivations may include a desire to demonstrate their discontent with the ongoing peace talks between the BRN and the Thai government. These 45 incidents primarily targeted the business sector, reported Bangkok Post.

 

In related news earlier this month, the Thai government has committed to transforming the country’s three southernmost provinces into global tourist attractions and increasing investment in this region. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin gave this assurance during a three-day visit to Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala.

 

by Mitch Connor 

TOP: Peace Dialogue Panel members (from left): Chatchai Bangchuad, Thailand’s chief negotiator, General Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, Malaysian facilitator, and Anas Abdulrahman, announce progress in the talks to achieve peace in the Deep South. Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-25

 

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[mfd101]

Don't expect too many tourists while bombs are going off ...

[hotchilli]

More talks... 

[Srikcir]

4 hours ago, webfact said:

the Thai government has committed to transforming the country’s three southernmost provinces into global tourist attractions and increasing investment in this region.

Somehow smothering the Malay people with foreign tourists by the Thai government doesn't seem consistent with current peace talks wherein the insurgency is about respecting Malay way of life. Having as a minimum semi-autonomy (supported by PM Yingluck in 2013) the Malays should decide the extent and impact of such tourism on their society. As a minimum such "transformation" should be presented to the Malay people through a referendum.

[kingstonkid]

3 hours ago, Srikcir said:

Somehow smothering the Malay people with foreign tourists by the Thai government doesn't seem consistent with current peace talks wherein the insurgency is about respecting Malay way of life. Having as a minimum semi-autonomy (supported by PM Yingluck in 2013) the Malays should decide the extent and impact of such tourism on their society. As a minimum such "transformation" should be presented to the Malay people through a referendum.

They are forgetting one big wrench in their plan.  Most people in South are muslim.  Not sure they are going to look forward to heavy drinking and girls running around in bikini

[MarcelV]

Tourism would be welcomed in the region, as long as the tourists keep in mind the ethnic and religious nature of the region. Small-scale eco-tourism could be a way of providing some extra income to the locals, while not infringing much on their way of life.