Peace talks with BRN will continue, top brass say

Among key issues still to be discussed are the five demands laid down by BRN for the peace dialogue to continue. 

Army commander General Prayuth Chan-ocha maintained his stance against all five of the BRN’s demands, but agreed that further talks would be important to kick-start the peace process. 

He reportedly told the meeting “to take it easy on the BRN preconditions”, because they had not been discussed by both sides. The five demands were submitted to the Thai authorities through the National Security Council, reportedly in April, but a formal BRN document was not shared with other security agencies.

 

‘Cause for concern’

Prayuth said he realised that all parties were concerned about the situation, but said he was the most concerned, as his men were becoming victims of insurgent violence on a daily basis. 

He pleaded with the Thai media not to sensationalise any future BRN video messages or online statements. “Otherwise it’s likely the media will be helping the BRN to promote what they cannot bring to the negotiating table.” 

Prayuth said Thai authorities would not listen to any BRN statements except those made through the peace process. He said the BRN must also clarify its demands, including what it planned to offer in return if the demands were met by the Thai government.