Two more separatist groups could join the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) in peace talks with the government.
The BRN will contact these groups to ask them to attend the next round of peace talks set for the third week of this month, National Security Council secretary-general Lt Gen Paradorn Pattanatabut said yesterday.
He said he could not yet reveal the names of the groups, but believes their members are involved in daily violence.
Talking to them should improve the situation in the insurgency-torn provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat, Lt Gen Paradorn said.
He said authorities are still considering the BRN's demands, including the release of detained insurgent suspects and the recognition of the group as the representative of the "Melayu Patani Nation".
Meanwhile, the cabinet yesterday approved a 915-million-baht budget to increase allowances for teachers and education staff working in the far South. The increase came into effect yesterday, Deputy Education Minister Sermsak Pongpanit said.
Teachers and officials attached to the Office of the Basic Education Commission will receive a monthly risk allowance of 3,500 baht, up from 2,500 baht.
Also, teachers and employees of the Office of the Private Education Commission as well as temporary education staff will be entitled to a 2,500-baht allowance for education quality development every month.
The cabinet also approved in principle 120 million baht for buildings at state and private Islamic schools, and another 2.5 billion baht for the Ministry of Sports and Tourism to construct 41 futsal stadiums in Yala, Pattani and Narathiwat.