EXCLUSIVE | A Southern Thai liberation group is optimistic about former inspector-general of police Abdul Rahim Noor's role as the new facilitator for the region's ongoing peace talks.

The Patani United Liberation Organisation (Pulo) told Malaysiakini that they were expecting significant progress soon to bring both sides – the Mara Patani coalition and Thai government – to the negotiation table.

Pulo president Kasturi Mahkota (above) said the peace talks with Thai authorities, which first started in 2013, have moved into a new phase since Rahim took over last month.

"I believe that we are seeing progress at this stage. Previously, our talks were more focused on confidence-building measures between both parties, but recently we are moving towards political discussions.

"From what I gather, maybe in five or six months from now and if everything goes well, we will be able to reach a point of understanding to go to the negotiation table," he told Malaysiakini on Tuesday after meeting with Rahim (photo) in Kuala Lumpur.

At present, both Mara Patani and the Thai government are negotiating terms through the Malaysian facilitator. 

The task was previously given to former Research Department director-general Ahmad Zamzamin Hashim before the Pakatan Harapan government appointed Rahim to take his place.

Total ceasefire

The Southern Thai insurgency, which began in January 2004, has claimed over 6,000 lives, with gun battles and bombings continuing to rock the region, despite both Thai authorities and many separatists groups moving towards a peace agreement.

One of the challenges is roping in all armed separatist groups into the peace process.

Currently, the Mara Patani coalition consists of five groups – the National Revolution Front (BRN), Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani, Gerakan Islam Mujahideen Patani, and two factions of Pulo.

Kasturi said they were looking forward to a total ceasefire agreement as soon as they get to the negotiation table.

He said they had now managed to get most of the existing groups into agreeing to the talks, with a couple more showing interest in the progress seen thus far.

"This (attacks) won't stop just like that, even when we have an agreement. It takes time. The people will see the progress.

"We do not expect it to stop immediately. We need to give room to convince all parties. And I see that this process now gives more weight to inclusivity more than ever," he said.

Kasturi added that during their meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Rahim said that he would use his experience as former IGP to speed up the peace process.

He said Pulo has high confidence in Rahim with the current momentum he brings to the talks, and they want to see his commitment in shaping the process.