Death of separatist leader prompts hope, fear for peace prospects

By Teeranai Charuvastra, Staff Reporter

 

 

BANGKOK — The death of the leader of a major southern separatist movement could fall either way for ongoing negotiations between Bangkok and the rebels, according to experts involved in the peace effort.

 

After leading the secretive National Revolutionary Front, or BRN, since the start of its 13-year campaign for secession, Sapaeng Basoe, once the most wanted man in Thailand, died of lung infection Tuesday in exile in Malaysia, according to media reports. He was 81.

 

Full Story: http://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2017/01/16/death-separatist-leader-prompts-hope-fear-peace-prospects/

 

-- © Copyright Khaosod English 2017-1-16

Good Riddance.

Sapaeng's death will lead to great attacks unless the Thai military demonstrates serious consideration for peace negotiations. aka make some unilateral but simple concessions such as making peace talks part of Thailand's national agenda and allowing third party nuetral observers.

Last year Prayut adamently rejected such terms by the BRN. Prayut even refused to recognize the "umbrella" name given by the group of insurgent organizations - MARA Pattani.

Throughout 2016 the junta has largely focused on provencial security matters and provided no incentive for formal peace talks. Basically the junta called for all insurgents to disarm and identify themselves before the junta would consider formal peace talks. With Sapaeng's centralizing effect on BRN gone, local insurrgent leaders will feel greater authority to conducts more violent and widespread attacks.