South separatists vow peaceful measures to resolve conflict

Chief negotiator General Akra Kerdpol said yesterday the talks – held in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur – were a success and had brought all sides together to find ways to solve the conflict. 

A working committee will be set up to put together proposals and demands raised during the meeting and then submitted to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for consideration. His decisions will later be forwarded to the relevant groups. 

Akra led a team of Thai negotiators in the Malaysia-facilitated peace talks with the Patani Consultative Council or Mara Patani. The council is made up of 15 members who represent six groups, which have more than 9,000 armed fighters in the troubled region. 

The groups under Mara Patani are the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN), the Patani Islamic Mujahideen Movement (GMIP), the Islamic Liberation Front of Patani (BIPP), and three bodies under the Patani United Liberation Organisation (PULO).

Akra said the council was made up of “those who have differing views”.

“The meeting has achieved two points – firstly all groups are represented and they are committed to using peaceful ways to approach problems, and secondly the number of violent attacks during fasting periods have dropped compared to previous years,” he said. 

This was the first time that negotiations have been held by Prayut’s government. 

During the discussion, Akra conveyed Prayut’s message of the government’s readiness to address all matters of concern and boost mutual trust. He pointed out that cooperation would usher safety into the region, adding that setting up a “safety zone” that includes public participation would have more fruitful results. 

Demands put forward by the Mara Patani group were that its 15 members be recognised as true representatives of the six separatist groups, and that the deep South issue be included in the national agenda, so there is continuity in the implementation of measures. 

The group was told that unrest in the deep South has been identified in the national security policy of 2015-2021, and is being given top priority. 

Akra said although the Mara Patani’s structure was still unclear, it was quite similar to the representation on the Thai side. 

Meanwhile, Mara Patani’s chairman, who goes by the name Awang, told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday the council was willing to play a significant role in achieving a just, comprehensive and sustainable solution. 

Awang said Mara Patani was formed to raise awareness about the Malay Patani people’s struggle against the colonial system being forced upon them. 

“We admit our weaknesses in carrying out this difficult struggle, but due to our responsibility to religion and race, we do this in the name of Allah,” he told the press when announcing formation the council. 

Awang said the six groups had not dropped their ultimate aim of seeking liberation from Thailand.