A key member of the government's peace negotiating team with insurgent groups in the deep South is optimistic of clinching a deal next year despite the fact only three of 10 planned steps have been discussed.
Internal Security Command Operations 5th operations coordination centre deputy director Nakrob Boonbuathong said the role played by civil society and grassroots people would be critical to the talks' success.
Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on Wednesday night, Lt Gen Nakrob said the government and the insurgent side, known as "Party B" in the peace negotiation process, could clinch a peace agreement by the end of next year as planned. If achieved, it "would be a world record for the shortest conflict negotiations of their kind", he said.
After four full-delegation informal meetings, both sides agreed to set up a technical team to tackle differences in wordings and concept issues, said Lt Gen Nakrob, who is head of the government's technical team.
"After recent meetings in Penang involving the technical teams, we are more relaxed. We have been able to finish 95% of the terms of reference [for the official peace dialogue], except for some issues including how to implement the safety zone in the far South," he said, declaring he was satisfied even though they have actually talked through only three steps out of the 10-step plan.
A proposal to designate a safety zone in the insurgency-plagued South is on the agenda as the Thai delegation prepares for the official peace talks.
The real measurement of success, Lt Gen Nakrob said, was the local actors at home, not the exiles. "If the stakeholders help condemn the violence, it will boost the talks. If our efforts are always questioned, the plan could be spoiled," he said.
The insurgency group Mara Patani made a three-point demand covering its request for immunity from criminal prosecution for insurgents it represents, calling on the government to put peace talks on the national agenda, and recognising Mara as the main representative of southern insurgents in the talks.
"We have not agreed yet to recognise Mara as the sole representative, as they still cannot control and command situations and attacks on the ground," Lt Gen Nakrob said. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, however, has approved Mara's request for the talks to be put on the national agenda, he said.