NSC to propose peace talks with BRN be postponed

BANGKOK, October 11 (TNA) - Thailand's National Security Council (NSC) is considering for a postponement of peace talks with representatives of insurgent groups in the Thai far South, led by the Muslim militant Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN) group, in Malaysia until after October 25. Thai Deputy Prime Minister Police General Pracha Promnog told reporters of the plan on Friday, saying NSC Secretary-General Lieutenant General Paradorn Pattanatabutr is expected to propose that the 4th-round peace talks be adjourned until after October 25, from October 20. Police General Pracha suggested an earlier suggestion by Thai Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha that the peace talks between the Thai government, through the NSC, and the BRN-led insurgent side in the Thai deep South be postponed due to frequent violence recently should also be taken into consideration. The deputy prime minister acknowledged Thai authorities concerned have concluded considering some of five demands proposed earlier by the BRN, while the rest need more discussions among concerned parties. The Thai deputy premier revealed that, apart from the BRN, two other militant groups, including the Pattani United Liberation Organisation (PULO) and the Bersatu, have also asked to join the peace negotiations. According to the deputy premier, the hardcore Runda Kumpulan Kecil militant group has not yet made any contact with Thai authorities for participating in the peace talks. (TNA)