BRN backs Ramadan peace push

The period, which includes additional Muslim holidays, runs from July 10 to August 18, although Ramadan this year runs from July 8 to August 7. The areas to be free from violence are Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and five districts in Songkhla, said Samsamin Bin Hazim, chief facilitator for the Malaysian government, which hosted three official meetings between Thai officials and BRN members. The five districts in Songkhla are Na Thawi, Sadao, Saba Yoi, Thepha and Chana. 

The statement says the next round of the meetings will be after Ramadan ends. 

It stipulated that both parties believed that the ongoing dialogue was the best solution to bring peace and prosperity to Thailand’s far South. Any party that violates these conditions shall be condemned by all Thais across the country. Members of both parties will maintain best efforts to honour the peace conditions and mutual understanding about them to achieve the objectives during the holy period, it said.

Thai authorities are, as agreed, responsible for security operations in those areas and BRN is committed to establishing safety during the period, along with prosperity of local residents regardless of their race, culture or religion, the statement said.

The Thai authorities are obliged to scale down raids and security blockades.

To reciprocate, BRN will not resort to violent acts, including armed attacks, bombs, or ambushes on officials or civilians. BRN “will try its best” not to cause property damage or conduct attacks.

National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanatabutr said officials would not be “careless” during the period, but he was more optimistic as a whole. He said BRN would come under pressure if violence occurred despite their vows.

He said BRN acknowledged that a bomb by a railroad in Raman in Yala on Thursday was the work of insurgents opposed to the peace talks.