BANGKOK, June 14 – Thailand’s security chief Paradorn Patanatabut gave reassurances today that the leading Muslim militant group engaged in peace talks with the government will see to it that attacks are avoided during the fasting month of Ramadan.
The National Security Council (NSC) secretary general said Thai authorities will soften security measures and scrutiny, except for risk areas and government buildings, in the three southern border provinces.
Lt Gen Paradorn returned from Kuala Lumpur today after the third round of peace talks with key members of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) militant movement.
He said the Thai delegation agreed to take the BRN’s five demands into consideration despite a lack of full understanding and a need for more clarification.
The BRN leaders reportedly said they would clarify their demands and return them to the Thai government before the Ramadan month starts. This year’s fasting month of Ramadan is between July 9 and August 7.
Lt Gen Paradorn admitted that some militant groups have objected to the peace talks but “we have to move on and adjust accordingly.” No date was set for the next round of peace dialogues.
He said the BRN movement will submit a list of suspects under the government’s arrest warrants to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Centre in two weeks.
Charges against suspects who are found to be innocent will be revoked, he said.
Opposition Democrat party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva welcomed the agreement to scale down violence during Ramadan, but suggested both parties give stronger assurances to the people.
