Peace in deep South demands more than guns

The southern insurgency has been a conundrum for all governments.

- Anucha Charoenpo

But currently, much of the kingdom’s attention has been on the Cambodian-Thai border, and so the violence in the deep South just blips on and off our radar.

The problem of this region won’ t just fade away ofits own accord. Silence and a lack of policy attention from the central government only goads insurgents to stage more violence.

It is therefore welcome news that the Anutin government approved the nomination of Gen Somsak Rungsita on Thursday to lead the peace negotiation team, paving the way for peace talks with the rebel group Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

However, Gen Somsak, a former secretary-general of the National Security Council (NSC), is the fifth negotiation leader who comes with a military background. Such a track record speaks volumes about the direction of our peace talks.

Among six negotiation leaders, only one, Chatchai Bangchuad, was a civil official. Yet, Mr Chatchai did not have much time to lead any peace talks, and he left over a year ago to lead the NSC. Since then, the Paetongtarn government left the position of negotiation leader vacant, resulting in peace talks with the BRN being put on hold. The lack of continuity and political commitment has stalled momentum, raising concerns about the sustainability of any future negotiations.