General Aksara: Peace talks with separatist groups are making progress

[Lite Beer]

General Aksara: Peace talks with separatist groups are making progress

BANGKOK: -- Peace talks between the government and separatist groups under the umbrella organization of Mara Patani have been going on with progress being made, said General Aksara Kerdphol, Army’s advisory chief and head of the government’s peace talks team.

In an exclusive interview with Thai PBS, the Isranews centre and Deep South Watch Centre, the general categorically denied criticisms that the talks were a failure because the real militants who have been waging insurgency war against the government were not represented in Mara Patani.

According to Maj-Gen Nakrop Boonbuathong, deputy director of the 5th coordinating centre of the Internal Security Operations Command, all separatist groups were represented in Mara Patani and there are four representatives from the BRN among the ten-member peace talks team of Mara Patani.

Besides the ongoing peace talks process, General Aksara said that one significant outcome of the process was that Mara Patani agreed that peace process was the most viable solution to the unrest problem in the restive Deep South.

He noted that Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha did not mind the name of Mara Patani and fully supported the peace process.

Pointing out a fact that there are both the hawkish and dovish factions in all separatist groups, General Aksara said he treated Mara Patani’s acceptance of peace process as a viable solution to the unrest problem as a successful step.

As for the hard-core separatist factions, the general noted that the commander of the 4th army region must try to convince them to join the peace process and, at the same time, to allow them a chance to return home for reunion with their families under a programme to “bring the misguided” home.

He pointed out at an indicator to prove the progress of the peace talks so far – that was the reduction of violent incidents committed during the fasting month of Ramadan this year compared to those of last year.

He disclosed that the two peace talks teams concurred before the Ramadan that they should jointly work for peace during the Ramadan although no ceasefire agreement was worked out.

He blamed the surge of violence before the end of the Ramadan on the opportunists bent on stirring up troubles.

The current peace talks were in the stage of trust building after which the two sides will move to the next stage which is to sign an agreement to jointly resolve the unrest problem to bring about peace in the restive region.

General Aksara explained that the agreement should cover three aspects: development of the region, creation of safe zones and justice process which includes rehabilitation programme.

On July 23, the conflict and cultural diversity research institute of Prince of Songkhla University’s Pattani campus announced the results of an opinion poll from 2,104 samples in three southernmost provinces. One of the results shows 76.9 percent of the respondents are satisfied with and have confidence in the peace process of the incumbent government.

Source: http://englishnews.thaipbs.or.th/general-aksara-peace-talks-with-separatist-groups-are-making-progress

-- Thai PBS 2015-08-04

[Briggsy]

The military here has a strong track record of

1. Stating things that are absolutely untrue.

2. Speaking on behalf of others (see 1 also).

3. Not negotiating with ethnic Malay separatists.

4. Whilst claiming that they are (see 1 again).

They have been using this technique for decades so I am afraid I don't believe this latest announcement.

[Reigntax]

Another spin doctor shooting off his mouth. You know the situation is getting worse when the junta start stating progress is being made on any issue.

Maybe Thailand could become the hub of Asean progress or the spin doctor capital of the world.

[Reigntax]

Unless, progress on peace talks means they have found another way to traffic the Burmese through the border without each side blaming each other.

[wabothai]

generals can negociate conditions of won wars, they ususally are not holding peace talks.

[bamnutsak]

ISOC reports Incidents are down 40%, read to the BOOM-BOOM-BOOM, and the smoke rising in the background.

ISOC reports drop in number of incidents in Deep South

PATTANI, 25 June 2015 (NNT) – The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 has reported a major drop in the number of violent incidents during the holy month of Ramadan.

ISOC said that during June 18-24, only 5 incidents were reported, one of which was a security-related event. Another was ruled an accident and police are investigating into the three other cases.

http://news.thaivisa.com/thailand/isoc-reports-drop-in-number-of-incidents-in-deep-south/101556/

Thailand's Deep South records 23 violent incidents in June-July

English.news.cn 2015-07-09 19:28:03 More

BANGKOK, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's restive Deep South has registered 23 violent incidents over the past month, only three of which have been confirmed to be insurgency-related, a security officer said Thursday.

From June 5 to July 8, 11 people were killed and 15 others injured in the 23 incidents, Col Pramote Prom-in, spokesman of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4 was quoted by Bangkok Post as saying.

Six killed in latest attacks in South

THE SUNDAY NATION July 12, 2015 1:00 am

Police bomb experts yesterday collect evidence following a fatal bomb attack in Songkhla

SUSPECTED INSURGENTS HIT EIGHT LOCATIONS IN THREE PROVINCES WITH BOMBS AND ARSON

DESPITE beefed up security, 10 days before the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, suspected insurgents launched bomb and arson attacks at eight locations in Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat, Sadao in Songkhla and Yala's Than To district on Friday night and early yesterday. The attacks left six people dead, 11 injured and significant property damage.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/Six-killed-in-latest-attacks-in-South-30264276.html

Attack on Southern Thailand Village Post Injures 18

July 31, 2015

Shortly after suspected insurgents attacked a village protection post in southern Thailand on Friday, injuring 18 people, six of them seriously, a regional army commander called for shoring up the base’s defenses against further attacks.

Lt. Gen. Prakarn Cholayuth, commander of the 4th Army Region, which encompasses the restive Deep South, said he was calling a meeting between military officials, police and villagers to figure out how to do this.

http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/thai/pulae-village-07312015174841.html

[Srikcir]

Use of "peace process was the most viable solution to the unrest problem in the restive Deep South."

What a novel solution!

What didn't the military think of this approach over the last 30 years of conflict in the South?

PM Prayut brings a whole new meaning to peace negotiations - RIDICULOUS