NSC chief in Malaysia for discussion on preparation for peace talks
National Security Council secretary-general Thawil Pliensri left Bangkok for Kuala Lumpur on September 9 for discussion with his Malaysian counterpart on resumption of peace talks with southern separatist groups.
Before his departure, Mr Thawil told Isra news agency that his delegation to Malaysia was an advance team of the Thai government before the upcoming visit to Malaysia by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha – the first among Asean countries since he assumed the premiership.
Mr Thawil said the Thai government is open and ready to hold talks with all separatist groups and not just the Barisan Revolusi Nasional which engaged in peace talks with Lt-Gen Paradorn Pattanathabutr, the former NSC chief, last year. He added that the government would like Kuala Lumpur to carry on with its role as the facilitator.
The first phase of peace talks between the government and the BRN led by MrHassan Taib started on February 28 last year when the two sides signed an agreement in Kuala Lumpur. Three more rounds of talks were held, also in Kuala Lumpur, before the talks bogged down in the middle of last year partly due to the political situation in Bangkok.
It was reported that the Thai side had suggested to Malaysia that it wanted the Malaysian facilitator, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zamzamin, to be replaced by a military officer. But this was not yet responded by Malaysian government.
As far as the Thai delegation for the peace talks, Mr Thawil said that the delegation had already been formed but he declined to name them. It was widely speculated that the team would be led by Gen Akkanit Muensawat, an advisor to Army Commander-in-Chief Gen Prayuth.
However, General Akkanit has denied that he had agreed to head the peace delegation, saying that he had work to do with the NSC.
Wellknown for being a man with a sharp tongue, General Akkanit appears to be not a good choice for some separatist groups whom he once called Jone Khaek (Muslim bandits).
The groups which called themselves the Patani warriors recently voiced their concern with the reported appointment of General Akkanit as head of the Thai delegation due to his hardline stand vis-à-vis the separatists.
But the general was unperturbed with the groups’ opposition against him. He said he doubted the groups represented the BRN.
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Caption : Thawil Pliensri