Thailand Acknowledges Malaysia’s Role in Southern Conflict Resolution

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra emphasized Malaysia’s importance in the peace negotiations for Southern Thailand, highlighting a three-pronged strategy aimed at restoring stability. Malaysia has facilitated these discussions, leading to the JCPP for peace resolution. However, political changes have impeded progress, and a new representative for the Thai Peace Dialogue Panel is yet to be appointed.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra of Thailand underscored Malaysia’s pivotal role in facilitating the peace negotiations for the Southern Border Provinces (SBPs). She affirmed her government’s dedication to restoring stability through a tripartite strategy encompassing socio-economic development, security maintenance, and peace dialogue. Enhanced collaboration with Malaysia represents a sustainable approach focused on the welfare of both Thai and Malaysian citizens.

In a recent interview with Bernama, Prime Minister Shinawatra indicated that Malaysia is the sole official foreign actor involved in the peace dialogue process, contributing significantly to restoring peace and security in the region. She expressed confidence that, with Malaysia’s assistance in fostering a conducive environment, enduring peace can soon be achieved in Southern Thailand.

The peace negotiations date back decades, intensifying in January 2004 in the southern provinces. As of 2023, the Peace Dialogue Panel of the Royal Thai Government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) formalized a Joint Comprehensive Plan Towards Peace (JCPP). This roadmap, designed for 2023-2024, seeks to address and resolve the long-standing conflicts in the region.

Despite the promising framework established during the sixth Official Meeting of the Peace Dialogue Process in Kuala Lumpur, the progress towards peace has been hindered by political changes. Currently, Datuk Mohd Rabin Basir serves as the Malaysian Government Facilitator for negotiations, effective from July 1 of the previous year, while Thailand has yet to appoint a new representative for the Peace Dialogue Panel for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand (PEDP).

In summary, Malaysia plays an essential role in Thailand’s peace efforts concerning the Southern Border Provinces, emphasizing cooperation and dedication to resolving conflicts through structured dialogue. The establishment of the JCPP represents a positive step forward, yet political dynamics continue to impact the peace process. Leadership changes within the Thai government remain a hurdle that needs addressing to sustain momentum in negotiations.

Original Source: www.nationthailand.com