The next round of talks between authorities and separatist movements in the deep South is likely to be postponed, according to Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) sources.
The talks have been delayed several times already due to additional demands by the authorities and the unsettled matter of how many seats should go to separatists at the talks, the sources said.
Thai officials put off the latest round of talks, set initially for Oct 20, claiming it fell too close to the ninth anniversary of the Tak Bai massacre in Narathiwat. The next round is set on a preliminary basis for early next month.
"[Chief BRN negotiator] Hassan Taib has told us that there was no response from the movement members regarding the Thai response to our five-point demands.
"Therefore the initial schedule of the next meeting in Kuala Lumpur early next month will probably be postponed," according to the sources involved in the peace talks.
The demands, earlier announced via YouTube, consist firstly of the BRN leading the peace talks between the Thai kingdom and the Patani Malay liberation fighters; that Malaysia be accepted as the mediator instead of facilitator; and that the peace talks are to be witnessed by representatives of Asean, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference and NGOs.
The other demands are that the government recognise the existence and supreme power of the administration of the "Patani Malay" nation on "Patani" territory; and all detainees on security-related charges must be released.
National Security Council secretary-general Paradorn Pattanatabut has replied to the BRN via Ahmad Zamzamin, the Malaysian facilitator, that "the five issues are acceptable for further discussion".
These issues "should be explored thoroughly by both parties together and in stages", Lt Gen Paradorn said in a letter to the Malaysian facilitator.
The government has also proposed two more issues for further discussion, according to the document obtained by the Bangkok Post.
"Both sides should be committed to securing peace and stability in the region at all times during the peace dialogue and work towards reducing suspicion and conflict sincerely without bias," according to the document.
To demonstrate sincerity, Thailand has asked the BRN to "exercise all reasonable efforts to avoid all forms of violence and ensure respect for human rights as a show of good faith to secure the trust and confidence of the people of the southern border provinces".
The authorities have also urged the BRN and insurgent groups to "accelerate sustainable development that generates an even distribution of income and welfare to all members of the local community, as well as to promote coexistence in a pluralistic society without alienation".
The BRN was also called upon to assure that "all religions are considered equally valuable and people are free to practise their faith".
Thailand has asked the BRN to expand the number of participants from other separatist groups and secure pledges from them to reduce the number of insurgent attacks.
A faction of the Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) under the leadership of Sweden-based Kasturi Mahkota, has stated that it wants to be part of the talks.
But Mr Kasturi was not accepted by most separatists groups, the sources said. They said the Pulo faction led by Samsudine Khan is more acceptable.