Thailand Holds 'Peace Talks' With Muslim Militants

[webfact]

Thailand holds 'peace talks' with Muslim militants

Bangkok, Aug 16, 2012 (AFP) - Thailand said Thursday it was holding peace talks with some Muslim insurgent groups in its violence-wracked south, in a policy reversal which follows a recent surge in militant attacks.

Informal talks are under way between the government agency in charge of the region -- the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center -- and several militant splinter groups, according to a deputy prime minister.

"Don't call it negotiations... but there are talks to achieve peace which is a crucial government policy," Yutthasak Sasiprapa, who is in charge of national security, told reporters.

"The government has assigned the Southern Border Provinces Administration Center responsibility for the talks as they are well aware who to talk to."

The talks are with splinter groups from the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) -- one of a web of insurgent organisations believed to be behind attacks, he said.

"We talk with newly set up groups of young people which separated from the RKK," Yutthasak said, adding that up to 9,000 insurgents overall were estimated to be operating in the violence-hit southern provinces.

In April Yutthasak ruled out peace talks with militants following the deadliest bomb attacks to rock the Muslim-dominated region in recent years.

A complex insurgency, without clearly stated aims, has plagued Thailand's far south near the border with Malaysia since 2004, claiming thousands of lives, both Buddhist and Muslim, with near-daily bomb or gun attacks.

The insurgents are not thought to be part of a global jihad movement but are instead rebelling against a long history of perceived discrimination against ethnic Malay Muslims by successive Thai governments.

Attacks have surged during the holy Muslim month of Ramadan which ends next week, turning a focus on the government's handling of the rumbling unrest.

Yutthasak warned of possible major militant attacks in southern cities as the Islamic holy month draws to an end.

"The militants have distorted (Islamic) teaching and believe that whoever mounts an attack in Ramadan will be rewarded and will be able to meet Allah," he said.

-- (c) Copyright AFP 2012-08-16

[edwinchester]

Good, it's a start but expect no quick fix.

Look how long it took in Northern Ireland from the beginning of talks with the terrorist groups to achieving a cease fire and then peace.

[Moruya]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

[Thai at Heart]

Some things are better left unsaid.

Why did they have to tell anyone they were having these chats, and I wonder were the army invited?

[SuneeTH]

Thailand holds 'peace talks' with Muslim militants?

or shut it be:

Kingdom of Pattani holds 'peace talks' with Thai militants?

[jerrysteve]

Lets hope the talks go well ."The militants have distorted (Islamic) teaching and believe that whoever mounts an attack in Ramadan will be rewarded and will be able to meet Allah," he said.

It would be great if they can reach a peace accord.

If they cannot, lets hope that all 9000 insurgents meet Allah as quickly as possible in one instant flash!!!!

Edited August 16, 2012 by jerrysteve

[Moruya]

Lets hope the talks go well ."The militants have distorted (Islamic) teaching and believe that whoever mounts an attack in Ramadan will be rewarded and will be able to meet Allah," he said.

It would be great if they can reach a peace accord.

If they cannot, lets hope that all 9000 insurgents meet Allah as quickly as possible in one instant flash!!!!

One would hope Lucifer would be the first to claim them

[mamypoko]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

Good point! But I'd still wish we'd get a better hold on the price of tea in China. It really begs the question.

Edited August 16, 2012 by mamypoko

[rubl]

Thailand holds 'peace talks' with Muslim militants?

or shut it be:

Kingdom of Pattani holds 'peace talks' with Thai militants?

Jeez man, of all the nonsense I've read lately. Show some respect.

The Yingluck-led government in gracefully trying to bring peace, civilisation and prosperity to those misguided people down South who don't have a red shirt and didn't even vote Pheu Thai

[notmyself]

Some may say that at least it is somethng. Another example of 'something' would be trying to verbally persuade a dead chicken not to decompose.

[Bagwan]

Thailand holds 'peace talks' with Muslim militants?

or shut it be:

Kingdom of Pattani holds 'peace talks' with Thai militants?

Jeez man, of all the nonsense I've read lately. Show some respect.

The Yingluck-led government in gracefully trying to bring peace, civilisation and prosperity to those misguided people down South who don't have a red shirt and didn't even vote Pheu Thai

Why are they misguided? Many Scots wanted (want?) self rule as did the Irish. Were they misguided too? East Pakistan wanted nothing to do with Karachi, hence Bangladesh. I wonder how many Texans harbour desire for 'home rule'.

I bet that the UK didn't consult with those who lived in the southern provinces, or more accurately from their point of view, the northern states of Malaya, when they were handed over to Thailand. Given their treatment over the years by arrogant Thai Governments (who have nothing to be arrogant about) I too would be up in arms

[stefb1964]

what point is there in negotiating something for their benefit if "the south" keeps a hidden agenda ? I strongly doubt that they are interested in a peace pact with the rest of Thailand, rather than having what they want, they way they want it. Look at the rest of the world..(e.g. Afghanistan and the Taliban) Maybe getting a little off topic here, but lets face it.

[Moruya]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

Good point! But I'd still wish we'd get a better hold on the price of tea in China. It really begs the question.

personally Assam holds the key for me

[notmyself]

what point is there in negotiating something for their benefit if "the south" keeps a hidden agenda ? I strongly doubt that they are interested in a peace pact with the rest of Thailand, rather than having what they want, they way they want it. Look at the rest of the world..(e.g. Afghanistan and the Taliban) Maybe getting a little off topic here, but lets face it.

It's not exacly hidden. They want the return of the Caliphate which is not specifically a Thai issue and they want to be part of the resurected Caliphate which is very much a Thai issue.

[whybother]

Has Thaksin been down there again?

[simple1]

what point is there in negotiating something for their benefit if "the south" keeps a hidden agenda ? I strongly doubt that they are interested in a peace pact with the rest of Thailand, rather than having what they want, they way they want it. Look at the rest of the world..(e.g. Afghanistan and the Taliban) Maybe getting a little off topic here, but lets face it.

It's not exacly hidden. They want the return of the Caliphate which is not specifically a Thai issue and they want to be part of the resurected Caliphate which is very much a Thai issue.

BS

[mamypoko]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

Good point! But I'd still wish we'd get a better hold on the price of tea in China. It really begs the question.

personally Assam holds the key for me

Thaksin, Tea, Assam, segue

[notmyself]

what point is there in negotiating something for their benefit if "the south" keeps a hidden agenda ? I strongly doubt that they are interested in a peace pact with the rest of Thailand, rather than having what they want, they way they want it. Look at the rest of the world..(e.g. Afghanistan and the Taliban) Maybe getting a little off topic here, but lets face it.

It's not exacly hidden. They want the return of the Caliphate which is not specifically a Thai issue and they want to be part of the resurected Caliphate which is very much a Thai issue.

BS

Well argued. Don't shoot the messanger.

[Thongkorn]

If this is in regards to the trouble down South. its nothing to do with Muslims, its about people who say they are not Thai or Malaysian.

[mamypoko]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

Seriously, can you just give the "Thaksin" thing a break? You're not being paid to do this, are you?

Edited August 16, 2012 by mamypoko

[elshaheen]

Good, it's a start but expect no quick fix.

Look how long it took in Northern Ireland from the beginning of talks with the terrorist groups to achieving a cease fire and then peace.

I agree. But it all depends on who Thailand chooses as the negotialtor is.

[Moruya]

This is probably the most constructive thing this administration has embarked on.

Begs the question why they can't use the same approach to reconciliation with their fellow Buddhists rather than wrapping a pardon Thaksin and the Red Shirts bill in the ridiculous" reconciliation" misnomer and ramming down their opponents' necks.

Seriously, can you just give the "Thaksin" thing a break? You're not being paid to do this, are you?

When I travel, I always bring a pack of Mamypoko baby wipes with me in case I need to use a public toilet without toilet paper or hand washing apparel.

Nobody pays me to post and my comments are my own. In this case it was a valid comparison. If you don't like it, that makes me feel much better.

Edited August 16, 2012 by Moruya

[simple1]

what point is there in negotiating something for their benefit if "the south" keeps a hidden agenda ? I strongly doubt that they are interested in a peace pact with the rest of Thailand, rather than having what they want, they way they want it. Look at the rest of the world..(e.g. Afghanistan and the Taliban) Maybe getting a little off topic here, but lets face it.

It's not exacly hidden. They want the return of the Caliphate which is not specifically a Thai issue and they want to be part of the resurected Caliphate which is very much a Thai issue.

BS

Well argued. Don't shoot the messanger.

Please let me know where Thai Muslims have stated they want "the return of the Caliphate". By the way, who are "they" in a Thai context.

I live in a Thai Muslim area and they have practices that do not comply with the dictates of Islam simple examples are Thai Buddhist beliefs such as ghosts and spirits, sacrifice of animals when honoring deceased family members etc. When I ask them about their thoughts about what's going on in the Arabic world, they all say "we are different"

Edited August 17, 2012 by simple1

[sunshine51]

On the other recent thread....

My comment went something like this...

Amidst the current violence this is the most positive thing

happening concerning the "problems" I have heard of

since the "talks" of 2004-2005...which, by the way...

were inconclusive.

Same-Same...not different.

[jerrysteve]

JESUS H. CHRIST givem what the hell they want. The only stipulation is they have to take down speakers on their mosques so

they stop blowing Allah's message all over the neighberhoods & up your rectum at 5:30 a.m. & again at 6 a.m. and 12 pm etc etc etc.

We are quite sure Khun Allah can hear them without speakers.

Edited August 23, 2012 by jerrysteve

[philw]

JESUS H. CHRIST givem what the hell they want. The only stipulation is they have to take down speakers on their mosques so

they stop blowing Allah's message all over the neighberhoods & up your rectum at 5:30 a.m. & again at 6 a.m. and 12 pm etc etc etc.

We are quite sure Khun Allah can hear them without speakers.

Exactly, just as I object to Christianity being blown up peoples rectums.............( which could be where it belongs. )