Thailand and Malaysia have pledged to make progress on renewed peace talks with deep South insurgents after a meeting between the nations' prime ministers, though Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha pleaded that there be no pressure on the time frame.
Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha of Thailand and Najib Razak of Malaysia give a symbolic handshake after they agreed to put strict conditions on peace talks in the deep South. (Photo courtesy of Government House)
Gen Prayut and his counterpart Najib Razak agreed to discuss peace talks further based on three key points aimed at building a good atmosphere for the negotiations, including broad involvement from disparate separatist groups.
After returning from Malaysia Monday, Gen Prayut said the deep South was among issues he discussed with Mr Najib.
He said Mr Najib has approved Gen Aksara Kerdpol as the new chief negotiator along with nine team members. The peace process will be led by the secretaries of two delegations.
Gen Prayut asked Mr Najib to ensure that all groups will take part.
"We are now waiting for Malaysia to contact the insurgent groups to make sure that all groups will join the talks. Otherwise, those who have been left out may conduct violence to join the table," he said, adding the government fully trusts Malaysia on this matter.
However, Gen Prayut refused to say when the talks would start.
"Please do not put pressure on the time frame. All authorities concerned are now doing their best to bring peace to the deep South," he said.
According to a source, the first official negotiations are expected to be held in mid-January after an unofficial meeting among operating teams in late December. There, the parties will ratify an agreement to abide by the process.
Mr Najib, however, quoted by the state news agency Bernama, said all parties need to be involved, not only two or three groups, and that would result in an uncertain time frame.
"When you sit down and discuss such complex matters, it takes time," he said.
Mr Najib said Malaysia will continue hosting the peace talks under three principles: that there be a period of no violence, that all parties are represented in the talks and that all parties should be united.
Mr Najib described bilateral ties with Thailand as "very strong".
"Based on the three principles, Malaysia will continue the peace process, and the Thai government has said categorically that Malaysia is the only country that it will work with on the peace process," Bernama quoted Mr Najib as saying.
Gen Prayut said three levels of command will be involved in the peace effort, starting from the top level, which he would lead himself; the negotiation level, led by Gen Aksara plus his teams; and the "coordinating level", led by the Fourth Army region commander Prakan Cholayut.
Gen Prayut was joined on the trip by Defence Minister Prawit Wongsuwon, Foreign Minister Tanasak Patimapragorn, army chief Udomdej Sitabutr, chairman of the army advisory panel Aksara Kerdpol, National Security Council secretary-general Anusit Kunakorn and high-ranking officials in charge of the deep South.
Besides southern issues, Gen Prayut also discussed economic cooperation with the Malaysian premier, particularly ways to increase cross-border trade and investment. They will have further talks on how to stabilise rubber prices.
During Gen Prayut's quick visit Monday, dozens of political and human rights activists staged a protest at Thailand's embassy in Malaysia, carrying a banner reading "Dictator not Welcome". The protesters also denounced Mr Najib for inviting him.
"The reception for Prayut is an act that recognises and lends legitimacy to the illegal government in Thailand, which grabbed power through a military coup and has suppressed democracy since May this year," the protesters said.
They also called on the Malaysian government to stop recognising Gen Prayut's government until he repeals martial law in Thailand, stops a crackdown on political dissidents and restores the electoral process.
Gen Prayut later said he was not perturbed by the protest. He asked for understanding, saying he has to lead people undertaking reform amid political uncertainty.
Meanwhile, a series of threats were posted in several locations in the deep South Monday with banners and suspicious objects found in more than 10 areas of Pattani and Narathiwat.
Arson and bomb attacks took place in Reuso and Waeng districts in Narathiwat, but no casualties were reported from the incidents.
The local authorities said the banners included messages against Gen Prayut and his delegation concerning the trip to Malaysia.
Col Banpot Poonpian, a spokesman for the Internal Security Operations Command, said the incidents were all aimed at destroying Gen Prayut's credibility in restoring peace.
This must stop: Prime Ministers Prayut Chan-o-cha and Najib Razak agreed that separatists and sympathisers must stop their violent attacks, such as this Nov 15 bombing in Narathiwat's Rueso district, before peace talks can resume. (AFP photo)