Thai PM appoints new head of southern peace talks team

13 Sept 10:56 Key points summarised by AI

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin appointed Chatchai Bangchuad to lead the government's team in peace talks with the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) insurgent group in the restive south.
Negotiations, facilitated by Malaysia, have been on hold since February, with the BRN suspending talks pending the formation of a new Thai government after the May 14th general election.
Following PM Srettha's election in August, southern insurgents launched coordinated attacks in Pattani province, resulting in casualties despite a prior consensus on a peace roadmap.
The BRN's suspension of talks reflects internal discord, with its military wing skeptical of the roadmap's design, raising concerns about potential splintering and jeopardizing peace prospects.

Malaysia appoints new facilitator for Thai-BRN peace talks

Yesterday 12:16 Key points summarised by AI

Malaysia has appointed retired Lt-General Datuk Ahmad Norihan bin Jalal as the new facilitator for peace talks between the Thai government and the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).
Datuk Ahmad previously served as head of Malaysia’s national intelligence agency and has over 33 years of military experience, bringing extensive expertise in strategic intelligence.
The Malaysian government expressed confidence that his appointment will strengthen its role in facilitating the peace talks, earn trust from all parties, and bring new momentum to achieving lasting peace in southern Thailand.