PATTANI: Peace talks between the Thai government and a southern separatist group will resume next month, according to a government negotiator.
Gen Wanlop Rugsanaoh, head of the Thai delegation, was speaking as he visited the forward command of the Internal Security Operations Command’s Region 4 in Pattani’s Yarang district on Tuesday
He did not elaborate on where the talks will take place.
The residents’ proposals, particularly efforts to stop attacks against soft targets, including women and children, and attacks on public venues and economic areas, will be raised during the dialogue, said Ge Wanlop
He added that local religious leaders have supported the peace process and hoped further progress will be achieved to foster peace in the deep South.
The Thai delegation and representatives of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional group, headed by Anas Abdulrahman, met in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur last month. They agreed on a framework that will serve as the basis for future negotiations.
Previously, Gen Wanlop said both sides had agreed on a framework that focuses on vi00olence reduction, public participation and political solutions.
Three joint working groups — one for each area — will be appointed to pursue peace. They will comprise coordinators to ensure smooth and flexible talks that will lead to substantial results.