Thai Government Thanks Malaysia for Facilitating Peace Talks on Southern Conflict

Women from 23 NGOs march in Muang district, Pattani province, calling for a “safety zone” to be on agenda of peace talks between the Thai government and Deep South rebel groups, Sept. 1, 2016.

Bangkok, 10 Rabi’ul Awwal 1438/10 December 2016 (MINA) – The Thai government has thanked Malaysia for the constructive role it has played in facilitating peace talks on the conflict in southern Thailand while reaffirming its commitment towards resolving the problem peacefully with the participation of all sides, Bernama reported.

According to the goverment’s deputy spokesman Lt Gen Weerachon Sukondhapatipak, Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha had relayed that message during a courtesy call by Malaysia’s Armed Forces Chief Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin.

“The Thai government reaffirmed that it would resolve the (southern Thailand) problem under peaceful means and with the participation of all sides.

“The Prime Minister also thanked the Malaysian government,” he said in a statement here today.

The Prime Minister, according to him, also commended Malaysia’s role as the facilitator in the informal talks between the Thai government and a group representing southern Thai militants.

Zulkifeli was on a farewell tour to ASEAN countries before officially take up his new post as the new National Security Council (NSC) director-general in the middle of this month. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)