The Thai government is ready to resume peace talks with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional, but on the condition that southern insurgent groups must cease the violence in the deep south and that peace dialogue must be within the framework of the Constitution, which states that the Thai state is inseparable and the King is the head of state.
This statement was made today by Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai, in his first reaction to the recent spate of violence targeting civilians in the three southernmost provinces and some districts in Songkhla province.
He condemned the violence and offered his condolences to families of the victims of the violence inflicted on both Thai Buddhists and Muslims, adding that he has instructed security forces to be more pro-active in dealing with the insurgency and in protecting the people.
Phumtham disclosed that, since Anwar Ibrahim became prime minister of Malaysia, he has met with the new Malaysian facilitator for the peace dialogue and informed him that the Thai government does not accept violence and will not engage in dialogue with the insurgent groups, unless the violence stops first.
“What is the point of talks if violence cannot be controlled?” Phumtham asked, adding that the government is, however, ready for talks and the Thai negotiating team can be set up immediately.
He said he told the Malaysian facilitator that the insurgent groups must cease the violence and must stop playing political games. “It is pointless for the insurgent groups (BRN) to issue a statement condemning the attacks on civilians, because the perpetrators are from within their groups,” he added.
Another condition is that the insurgent groups recognise cultural diversity, as does the government, said Phumtham. “Thai Buddhists and Thai Muslims used to co-exist peacefully, but the violence is part of an attempt to separate part of Thailand,” said Phumtham.
He also made clear that there will be no talks if the insurgent groups want to create a State of Patani, to be separated from Thailand. He added that the government is ready to accept public participation in self administration in the Deep South “but not as an independent state”.
The deputy prime minister went on to say that the Deep South has the potential for development and investors are ready to invest in the region, if peace can be restored.
He disclosed that he has assigned Deputy Defence Minister Nattapol Nakpanich to visit the three southern provinces to offer moral support to officials there.
