Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha says Thailand is ready to open a new round of southern peace talks once Malaysia completes work on coordinating the process with insurgent groups.
Two gunmen were killed after exchanging fire with a special task force of rangers in Narathiwat yesterday. Police said the clash occurred at a temporary checkpoint in Joh-I-rong district. WAEDAO HARAI
The operation will take time because a number of separatist groups will have to be brought together for the talks. Some, however, have already refused to take part.
Gen Prayut said he met Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak when he visited Thailand for a short personal trip over the New Year's holidays.
The PM said he shared his experiences of the floods in Thailand with his Malaysian counterpart, including advice about post-flood restoration efforts.
Mr Najib also thanked the Thai government for sending 500 tonnes of rice to help flood victims in Malaysia.
Gen Prayut said Thailand is ready to begin fresh negotiations with the southern insurgents under Malaysia's guidance.
"We have to wait for Malaysia on this matter, since not all groups want to join the talks.
"So far we have heard that some of the groups are still refusing to talk," Gen Prayut said, adding the security situation in the deep South is easing.
On Friday, Mr Najib posted a message on his Twitter account to say he had met Gen Prayut and discussed flood experiences.
The premier also praised Gen Prayut for his contribution to help tackle the floods in Malaysia.
According to a source, Gen Prayut met his Malaysian counterpart at his residence for around 90 minutes on Friday. Both regional and bilateral issues were on the agenda.
Malaysia is currently holding the Asean chairmanship, so the two premiers discussed regional affairs and the final phase before the Asean Economic Community takes effect at the end of this year, the source said.
"They discussed cooperation among Asean members and Gen Prayut assured Mr Najib that Thailand supports Malaysia's role as the Asean chairman," the source said.
The two premiers also touched on bilateral issues covering dual citizenship and the southern peace talks at their meeting, the source said. Malaysia is acting as host of the talks.
Army commander in chief Udomdej Sitabutr said 10 members of a peace negotiation team led by Gen Aksara Kerdpol have now been appointed.
The coordination process to engage insurgent groups is still underway, he said.
Malaysia cannot rush efforts to recruit parties to the talks, since the government wants the discussions to be open to all groups concerned, he said.
"It will take time to pull together because we want to make sure as many groups as possible will be involved in the talks. Local authorities are now building trust and a good atmosphere to underpin the talks," Gen Udomdej said.
Violence linked to the southern insurgency continued in Narathiwat yesterday, when two gunmen were killed after exchanging fire with a special task force of rangers.
Police said the clash occurred at a temporary checkpoint set up by the rangers at Baan Joh Ko in tambon Bukit of Joh-I-rong district.
A pickup truck carrying five people failed to stop at the checkpoint. Authorities chased them on three motorcycles and in another pickup truck.
A gun battle ensued in which two insurgents were killed while another three were detained. A ranger sustained mild injuries.