WHILE representatives from the Thai Government and the Patani Malay National Revolutionary Front (BRN) have been in discussions in Kuala Lumpur since the day before yesterday (May 19, 2024) until today, two explosions rocked Narathiwat – a southern Thai province bordering Malaysia – yesterday morning.

In the two incidents, which occurred in Mukim Chuap, Cho-airong District, and Mukim Sukhirin, Sukhirin District, two roadside bombs exploded, killing two Thai security personnel and injuring 11 others.

A defense volunteer, Virapon Apdullalim, 41, who was hit by the explosion in Mukim Sukhirin, died in the hospital yesterday afternoon, while a member of the defense unit in Mukim Chuap, Maslan Saheng, passed away this morning at Hat Yai Hospital. Both were Malay Muslims.

In the Mukim Chuap incident, six defense unit members riding three motorcycles were returning to their camp after guarding a school in Luboya. Around 8:10 a.m., a bomb placed in a gas cylinder exploded.

All of them were taken to Sungai Golok Hospital for treatment, but Maslan Saheng, who was critically injured, died at 8:15 a.m. today. He leaves behind a wife and a young child.

Following the incident, a seven-member bomb disposal unit from Narathiwat was sent to the scene to investigate.

One of the team members, Sergeant Worawit Naratta, reportedly stepped on a roadside bomb, causing it to explode. All were taken to the hospital, but Virapon Apdullalim, who was critically injured, died while being treated at Hat Yai Hospital.

These incidents occurred while the Technical Teams of the Southern Border Provinces Peace Dialogue Panel (PEDP) and BRN were having detailed discussions about the Joint Comprehensive Peace Plan (JCPP) in Kuala Lumpur from the day before yesterday until today (May 21, 2024).

The two latest attacks in Narathiwat yesterday, which occurred during the dialogue, validate suspicions that the peace dialogue between the Thai Government and BRN is not supported by some other parties.

Previously, many claimed that the BRN’s armed wing did not agree with the discussions. This is based on the ongoing tension and violence in Southern Thailand in recent times.

However, Apa Khabar TV previously reported that at least four groups were said to frequently disrupt peace in Southern Thailand. READ HERE

Images of the incidents in Narathiwat yesterday.

In the meeting in Kuala Lumpur from the day before yesterday until today, the PEDP was led by the 4th Army Region Commander, who is also the Deputy Director of the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) Region 4, Lt. Gen. Pramote Phrom-in. However, it was not disclosed who led the BRN Technical Team.

The decision to establish the Technical Teams was reached in the seventh round of the Peace Dialogue Process Meeting held in Kuala Lumpur last February.

Malaysia continues to facilitate the peace process in Southern Thailand, led by former Armed Forces Commander, Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

It should be noted that almost daily incidents of violence occur in Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, involving Thai security forces, individuals allegedly members of militant groups, and sabotage acts.

This situation raises the question of whether peace can be achieved in Southern Thailand, particularly in Yala, Narathiwat, and Pattani, through negotiations where Malaysia only acts as a facilitator, not a mediator.

Following these incidents, fewer Malaysian tourists visit the three provinces, despite attractions such as resorts and delicious food. Instead, Hat Yai in Songkhla Province continues to be a popular destination.