THE latest discussion between the Thai government and the most influential armed group in southern Thailand, Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN), have resulted in “significant progress” as both sides mutually agreed to stop violence during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan.

The Peace Dialogue Panel for the Southern Border Provinces of Thailand (PEDP) headed by Wanlop Rugsanaoh and the BRN delegation headed by Anas Abdulrahman participated in the fourth round of the Peace Dialogue Process meeting in Kuala Lumpur from March 31 to April 1.

In a statement, PEDP said the two sides achieved significant progress, which will be an important milestone that will bring about long-lasting peace to the southern border provinces of Thailand.

It said both sides mutually agreed on the “Peaceful Ramadan Initiative” to create an environment conducive to peace during the holy month of Ramadan.

“Such initiative aims to facilitate the people to safely perform their religious practices and boost public confidence in the peace dialogue.

“Activities under the Peaceful Ramadan Initiative will be reciprocally implemented by each side in accordance with the general principles of the Peace Dialogue Process.

“It is hoped that this will be an important step paving the way toward sustainable peace in the southern border provinces of Thailand,” it said.

Former Malaysian inspector-general of police Rahim Mohd Noor acted as facilitator. The meeting was observed by experts.

Meanwhile, BRN said the two sides agreed to stop violence during Ramadan, which runs from April 3 to May 14.

“This agreement is to create a peaceful and prosperous atmosphere for the Pattani community as a process of building confidence between the two main parties in an effort to establish genuine peace in Pattani,” BRN said in a statement.

Meanwhile, PEDP said both sides have also agreed to establish joint working groups in three areas, including the reduction of violence, public consultations and a political solution.

“Both sides have also appointed contact persons to coordinate the work of these groups,” it said.

The PEDP said the document also states that both sides would uphold a dignified and inclusive peace dialogue process and will strive to seek political solutions in accordance with the will of the Pattani community under the Unitary State of Thailand in accordance with the Constitution.

The official meetings are seen as new hope in ending the violence in Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla – provinces where the majority of the population is Muslim.

The relentless cycle of violence in southern Thailand began in 2004 in four provinces namely Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat and Songkhla, which has claimed more than 7,000 lives to date. – Bernama, April 2, 2022.