Peace talks between the Thai government and the southern Thai Mara Patani coalition could take up to three years, says Abdul Rahim Noor.

Calling the negotiations a "very long process," Rahim, who is playing the role of facilitator in the talks, said today that each of the separatist groups in the region has a unique set of demands.

Currently, the Mara Patani coalition consists of five factions – the National Revolution Front, Barisan Islam Pembebasan Patani, Gerakan Islam Mujahideen Patani, and two factions of the Patani United Liberation Organisation...