Talks with separatists not affected by Malaysian house dissolution
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The talks between the Thai government and a separatist movement set for April 29 in Malaysia will proceed as scheduled, a Thai chief negotiator said Thursday.
Malaysia’s recent House dissolution and general election on May 5 would not affect the talks, said Paradorn Pattanatabutr, secretary general of National Security Council.
“Malaysia has confirmed that the talks on April 29 are still on and its House dissolution and the general election would not have any impact on the arrangement,” Paradorn said.
The peace dialogue between the government and the separatist Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) delegation at an undisclosed location in Malaysia will mark the second round of talks between the two sides. The first talks were held on March 28.
Paradon was speaking after insurgents launched 36 attacks on the southern province of Pattani on Wednesday night, resulting in the deaths of two rangers. The attacks happened hours after Army Commander in Chief Gen Prayuth Chanocha visited the adjacent province of Yala.
Paradorn said the attacks were continuing even though dialogue had already started. “However, if we look at the general picture, the attacks are less violent. The targets of the insurgents are now government officials,” he said.
Gen Prayuth said during his Wednesday visit that the officials should be more careful and cautious while working in the southern provinces.
