Investigation into anti-peace talk banners
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An investigation has been launched following the discovery of cloth banners opposing the peace dialogue between the Thai government and insurgent movements in dozens of districts in deep southern provinces of Narathiwat, Pattnai and Yala.
The banners were found along roads in 45 locations in 10 Narathiwat districts, 16 locations in six Yala districts as well as in the Pattani provincial seat on Monday. The banners carried messages opposing the peace talks between the government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).
Local police collected the banners, while in Pattani, an explosive ordnance disposal unit rushed to defuse what was believed to be a bomb – an explosive stuffed box only to learn there were no explosives inside.
In Narathiwat, Army Lt Kraisak Rodkarnthuk was wounded in a bomb blast while supervising a bomb squad unit collecting banners in Sungai Padi district.
Meanwhile, National Security Council (NSC) Secretary General LtGen Paradorn Pattanatabut commented Monday that the recent insurgent attacks and the antipeace talks banners were the work of other insurgent groups aiming to prove their existence and who might want to join the upcoming peace talks.
The next peace dialogue between the Thai government and the BRN is scheduled to be held in the Malaysian capital on April 29.
Gen Paradorn said officials are coordinating with other insurgent groups in case they want to be part of the peace process.
“There might be more bombings until the next peace talks are held but these will remain in restricted areas,” the NSC chief said.
The BRN representatives are now talking with the Runda Kumpulan Kecil (RKK) over possible participation in the peace process, Gen Paradorn added.
He said the main agenda for the discussions remains the offering of justice in several criminal cases, reducing violence in the restive south and the timeframe for reducing violence.
