Bangkok: Defense Minister plans to reorganize 'Southern Border Provinces Peace Dialogue Committee' because after 20 years, the direction has not been resolved. Avoids answering about budget cuts for southern border provinces, waiting for new strategy to be born first. Reveals the principle of evaluating whether there is a 'real' conversation or not is to look at the negotiating partner, not talk and shoot. Mr. Phumtham Vejjayachai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, said about the call for the process of starting peace talks in the southern border provinces that the National Security Council (NSC) has concluded that it will discuss the strategic group after discussing the integrated budget of the NSC by accepting the policy principle that it must consider a new strategy that must adjust the budget to be consistent, which the NSC expects to discuss this week or next week after talking to various agencies. I have said that the approval of the budget framework of the NSC is only in terms of principle s.
According to Thai News Agency, the discussions of the NSC over the past two weeks must be considered to see how to resolve the issue. What remains to be seen is that the situation in the area has improved to some extent, but has intensified to some extent. If a conclusion is reached, it will proceed according to the new strategy that has been issued to allocate people to work there.
'We have some observations that need to be reviewed because the process over the past 20 years, although many things have improved, but looking at the direction, it will not end. I have asked them to see if there will be anything new to solve the problems. Otherwise, it will be in a cycle. If there is no change, the work will be the same. When this point is clearer, the entire process can be organized. Now, all parties know that I will organize the process myself,' said Mr. Phumtham.
Mr. Phumtham added that the new strategy could not be specified whether it would be implemented within the next two weeks or not, but all relevant agencies have concluded the direction of how we will proceed. When the strategy is clear, all processes will follow, including the people who will have to negotiate and the details.
As for whether the military budget will be cut, Mr. Phumtham said that we have to look at the new strategy that will be released. We are not looking at the budget to see if it will be reduced or increased, but we are thinking about the strategy of how to proceed and in which direction. As for the budget, it will come later.
As for the individuals who will join the peace talks, we have to look at the new strategy that has emerged. Therefore, we cannot yet specify whether they will be the same person or a new person. If the same person is good enough, we will continue. However, if they are new and the direction is clear, we will select a new person. Initially, I will be the one to decide on the entire plan. For such a big matter, I have to inform the Prime Minister.
Within the next two weeks, there will be discussions because if we leave it like this, it will not be good. And now, these incidents are happening frequently. In the past, there have been negotiations, but a ceasefire has not yet occurred. Therefore, we are not sure whether the discussions with the political and military sides are on the same side or not. Because if they are not, then talking will not be effective. But if they think that they are on the same team, then the negotiations to cease fire at any point will have to stop. It will show that they are the real talkers. Because if they keep shooting and talking, then in my opinion, it will not be beneficial.
Regarding reducing the role of the military and increasing the administrative sector instead, Mr. Phumtham said that he could not talk about it first. Everything must be a shared opinion of all parties. Once it is concluded, then follow it, using the facts and new conclusions as the basis.