Peace in Southern Thailand hinges on discretion of both sides, says Rahim

The future of peace in Southern Thailand now depends on the discretion of both panels representing the Thai government and separatist groups, said Malaysian facilitator to the peace talks Abdul Rahim Noor.

This follows the suspension of a planned introductory meeting between both parties yesterday, after General Udomchai Thammasarorat, who heads the panel representing the Thai government, insisted that he only wanted to meet with the head of the other panel Shukri Hari.

"What would happen next, I do not know. We also do not know what would be their next move.

"Malaysia only acts as the facilitator. It was not us who decide for them to meet.

"Maybe, they want to meet after the Chinese New Year, or maybe after the Thai election in March, or whatever it is, we do not know. It is up to them (to decide)," he told Malaysiakini when contacted today.

Read more: Rebel group suspends peace talks in KL with Thai gov't

It was reported that Majlis Syura Patani (Mara Patani) decided to suspend the meeting, which would signify their first official meeting after several months.

According to Bernama, Shukri had said in a statement that they were disappointed with Udomchai's attitude, and urged the Thai government to replace the latter with someone "more credible".

Rahim , the former former inspector-general of police, said he was also puzzled by Udomchai's request to meet only with Shukri.

"Both sides have their own team of between five and six members each. But Udomchai insisted that he only wanted to meet with Shukri, saying that the rest of Mara Patani panel members can meet with his other panel members.

"But Shukri, while he was willing to meet Udomchai, wanted the meeting to be done with all the panel members from both parties present.

"For me, this attitude by Udomchai was somewhat weird. As a leader, he should be together with his panel to meet the panel from the separatist groups like what Shukri is doing.

"So, for the separatist groups, they viewed Udomchai's attitude as lacking in sincerity (to have a dialogue)," said Rahim.

However, Rahim stressed that Malaysia could not do anything as it only acted as facilitator and should not take any sides.

When asked if the latest development would worsen the turmoil in Southern Thailand, Rahim said "it is up to the discretion of the parties involved".

Wisma Putra urges M'sians in Southern Thailand to be vigilant

M'sia offers to help Thai Muslims in restive south

Another group of Thai Muslims flees to M'sia

Malaysia grants access to Thai Muslims