A list of items to be discussed at a formal meeting:
- Reducing violence;
- Ceasing hostilities;
- Establishing monitoring mechanisms; and
- The Terms of Reference (ToR).
MALAYSIA is satisfied with the progress made during the 10th Joint Technical Committee Meeting of the Peace Dialogue Process Working Group (JWG-PDP) for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, which was held from the day before yesterday (May 19, 2024) until today (May 21, 2024) in Kuala Lumpur.
In a statement issued by the National Security Council this afternoon, the Office of the Malaysian Government Facilitator stated that the three-day discussions were conducted in a friendly workshop atmosphere.
“The purpose of the technical meeting was to discuss the content and direction for the peace process between the Royal Thai Government Peace Dialogue Panel (PEDP/RTG) and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN).
“PEDP was led by Lt Gen Pramote Promin, while the BRN panel was led by Dr Nikmatullah bin Seri,” the statement said.
Malaysia acts as the facilitator for the Peace Dialogue Process for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, led by former Armed Forces Commander, Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.
According to the statement, the panel engaged in in-depth discussions on the details and activities for reducing violence, ceasing hostilities, establishing monitoring mechanisms, and the Terms of Reference (ToR) for the monitoring team.
The primary focus has been on reducing violence, which entails implementing strategies and actions to decrease the frequency and intensity of violent incidents in the region. This involves addressing the root causes of violence, enhancing security measures, and promoting community engagement to build trust and cooperation among different groups.
Secondly, the discussions emphasized the cessation of hostilities, aiming for a formal agreement to halt all aggressive actions and armed conflicts between the involved parties. This cessation is crucial for creating a conducive environment for further negotiations and building a foundation of peace.
Thirdly, was the establishment of robust monitoring mechanisms, essential for ensuring compliance with the agreements made, monitoring the security situation, and providing a framework for accountability.
Effective monitoring can help prevent violations of the peace agreement and provide early warnings of potential escalations.
Finally, the development of Terms of Reference (ToR) has been integral to the discussions. The ToR outlines the guidelines, roles, responsibilities, and procedures for the peace process. It ensures clarity and mutual understanding among all parties involved, setting the stage for structured and effective negotiations.
The ToR acts as a roadmap, delineating the scope and limitations of the peace dialogue and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their objectives and approaches.
These comprehensive discussions aim to address immediate security concerns while laying the groundwork for sustainable peace and development in Southern Thailand.
“As the facilitator, we are pleased with the progress made this week. This meeting has paved the way for lasting reconciliation within the Patani community in the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand.
“The next steps are to focus on these issues to achieve violence reduction/cessation of hostilities in the area and finalize related matters in the Joint Comprehensive Peace Plan (JCPP).
“In conclusion, we would like to state that the discussions were productive and collaborative, resulting in important decisions that will drive the peace initiative forward,” the statement said.
The Office of the Facilitator of the Malaysian Government hopes that all parties will implement what has been agreed upon in principle.
“As the facilitator for the Peace Dialogue Process for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, we are pleased to announce the closure of the 10th Joint Technical Committee Meeting of the Peace Dialogue Process Working Group (JWG-PDP) for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand, which was held from May 19 to 21, 2024, in Kuala Lumpur,” it said.
Earlier, Apa Khabar TV reported that the Southern Thailand Peace Dialogue Process has entered a new era as both parties – PEDP and BRN – sent representatives to discuss the JCPP in detail.
The workshop and discussions followed a series of shootings, bomb explosions, and acts of sabotage that occurred in the Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani provinces in recent times.
Yesterday, while both parties were having discussions, two bomb explosions rocked two districts in Narathiwat Province, killing two Thai security personnel and injuring 11 others.
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