Autonomy has not been discussed in southern Thailand peace talks

The proposal for broad autonomy in Thailand’s three southernmost provinces has not yet reached the formal negotiating table, despite being a central demand of the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani, or BRN.

A source close to the Thai government’s Peace Dialogue Panel said the proposal remains the BRN’s position and has not been accepted for discussion by the joint technical committee. The source said the details of any power structure would require extensive negotiations.

“For now, no broad autonomy has been discussed. What has been mentioned is the BRN proposal, while the details of the power structure still require extensive negotiations,” the source said.

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For now, no broad autonomy has been discussed. What has been mentioned is the BRN proposal, while the details of the power structure still require extensive negotiations.

The government and the panel, known as PEDP/RTG, are prepared to hold talks with armed groups within the framework of Thai law and the Constitution. BRN negotiating team spokesman Dr. Nikmatullah Seri has said the movement is not seeking absolute power or independence, but a power-sharing arrangement to allow Patani to govern itself.

That proposal would include a ruler, or wali al-amri, a shura council and an administration for a sharia judicial system, all chosen by the people of Patani.

PEDP/RTG chief Thanut Suvarnananda said all separatist groups would be welcome when the peace dialogue resumes. He said PULO, the Patani Islamic Liberation Front and the Islamic Mujahideen Movement of Pattani were among the groups he planned to include in discussions with the Thai government.

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All separatist groups are welcome to take part in the peace negotiations that will take place in the future.