A statement issued by the Barisan Revolusi Nasional Melayu Patani (BRN) while technical negotiations were under way in Kuala Lumpur risks upsetting the southern peace talks, says the government's negotiator.
Thanut Suvarnananda, director of the National Intelligence Agency and the government's newly appointed chief negotiator, on Sunday criticised the BRN for issuing the remarks.
The trilateral talks involving Thailand, BRN and Malaysia as facilitator were held on July 4. Mr Thanut said the statement disrupted the negotiations and reflected divisions within BRN's leadership.
In it, the BRN praised Malaysia's role as facilitator, called for greater involvement by Western countries in the peace process and raised environmental and resource management issues. Mr Thanut said the appeal for broader international involvement appeared intended to increase pressure on Thailand to accept more of the group's demands.
Thailand will not respond publicly, he added, saying the process should remain within official channels. The New Straits Times says BRN reaffirmed its commitment to the peace process, saying the recent escalation in violence reflected slow progress in negotiations rather than a rejection of dialogue.
Separately, the BRN Peace Dialogue Secretariat said the violence in Pattani highlighted the failure to achieve progress in the long-running conflict.
It said its armed struggle, which it claims has continued since 2004, targets Thai security forces, government-backed groups and projects it views as harmful to the Patani Malay Muslim community and complies with international humanitarian law.
BRN urged civilians to avoid conflict areas, thanked Malaysia as facilitator but said broader community support was needed to advance peace.
