Malaysia wants Thailand to appoint a military officer as head of the Southern peace talks delegation, Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said yesterday.
He said a Thai representative has been sent to Malaysia, the facilitator of the peace process, to make arrangements, an "indication" Malaysia would like to see a military officer in charge of the peace negotiations.
"Malaysia would appreciate it if a military officer who specialises in security affairs were put in charge of the peace process," Gen Prayuth said.
National Security Council secretary-general Thawil Pliensri is currently the chief negotiator.
Gen Prayuth has reportedly assigned Gen Akanit Muansawasdi, an adviser to the National Security Council, to work with Malaysia in preparing for the peace talks which were disrupted by the political crisis.
Gen Akanit, also a member of the National Legislative Assembly, is a former classmate of Gen Prayuth at the Armed Forces Academies Preparatory School. Tipped as a candidate for the post of chief negotiator in the peace dialogue with the separatists, he is a deep South specialist and familiar with negotiations with various insurgent groups.
Meanwhile, Supreme Commander and NCPO deputy chief Tanasak Patimapragorn will pay a two-day visit to Cambodia this weekend. It is thought the spat over the Preah Vihear temple may be on the agenda.
Gen Tanasak is expected to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during the trip.