Thailand Commits to Peace and Stability in Southern Border Provinces
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 (BERNAMA) — Thailand recognises Malaysia’s crucial role as the facilitator in peace negotiations for Southern Border Provinces (SBPs) and remains committed to restoring stability and achieving lasting stability.
Three-Pronged Strategy
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra reiterated that her government prioritises a three-pronged strategy – socio-economic development, security maintenance, and peace dialogue – to restore peace and security in the region.
Malaysia’s Role as Facilitator
“Malaysia is the only official foreign actor that takes part as a facilitator of the peace dialogue process, supporting Thailand in restoring peace and security, as well as developing the region with a sustainable approach, in the interests of the people of both countries,” she told Bernama in a written interview.
Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace
Malaysia is the facilitator for the peace negotiation process to end the decades-long conflict that culminated in January 2004 in the southern provinces. In 2023, the Peace Dialogue Panel of the Royal Thai Government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) agreed to develop a Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace (JCPP) as a roadmap for 2023-2024 to seek a resolution to the armed conflict in southern Thailand.
Challenges
However, political changes have stalled progress, hindering the continuation of effective negotiations.
Current Developments
At present, Datuk Mohd Rabin Basir is the Malaysian Government Facilitator for the Southern Thailand peace dialogue process, effective July 1, last year. However, the Thai government has yet to appoint a new Peace Dialogue Panel for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand (PEDP) representative.
Conclusion
Thailand remains committed to restoring peace and stability in the Southern Border Provinces, and Malaysia’s efforts in the process have been crucial in creating a conducive environment for dialogue. The Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace offers a ray of hope for resolving the long-standing regional conflict. However, political changes must be addressed to ensure the continuation of effective negotiations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the role of Malaysia in the peace negotiations for the Southern Border Provinces?
A: Malaysia is the facilitator for the peace negotiation process, supporting Thailand in restoring peace and security, as well as developing the region with a sustainable approach.
Q: What is the three-pronged strategy prioritised by the Thai government?
A: The three-pronged strategy includes socio-economic development, security maintenance, and peace dialogue.
Q: What is the Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace?
A: The Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace is a roadmap for 2023-2024 to seek a resolution to the armed conflict in southern Thailand, agreed upon by the Peace Dialogue Panel of the Royal Thai Government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).