Thailand, Malaysia Plan September Peace Talks

Thailand, Malaysia plan September southern peace talksLegacyA new round of peace talks on Thailand’s southern border is expected to take place in Malaysia this September, with a joint signing possible if the main committee reaches a consensus, Prime Minister’s adviser Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said today, July 1. Wan Muhamad Noor said two more internal subcommittee meetings remain before the main committee meets in Malaysia. If the main committee reaches a consensus, both sides could sign a joint agreement and announce the outcome in a joint resolution. When asked how long the peace dialogue could take, he said they would first have to wait for the outcome of the main committee meeting in September, which he expected would bring significant progress. Thaipost reported that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to visit Malaysia on July 9 and 10 as prime minister and a member of ASEAN. Photo via AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit The adviser said the situation in Thailand’s southern border provinces could be discussed during the visit, although it is not expected to be the main agenda. He said discussions during the visit could include a request for Malaysia to help accelerate efforts towards lasting peace. Commenting on the continuing violence in the South, Wan Muhamad Noor said all parties were analysing the situation. He noted that violent incidents remained frequent, although they have rarely resulted in serious harm. In a separate development, security agencies in Yala have raised security measures to the highest level after detecting movement by violent groups believed to be preparing attacks in urban areas and economic zones. Officers also stepped up screening at checkpoints, focusing on cars and motorcycles that could be used to assemble or carry improvised explosive devices, including car bombs and pipe bombs. The story Thailand, Malaysia plan September southern peace talks as seen on Thaiger News.