Thai PM expected to soon appoint head of peace talks team in Thai far South

BANGKOK, October 14 (TNA) - Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who is also Chief of the army-led National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO), is expected to soon appoint the head of the government's peace negotiation team in the violence-plagued Thai far South. New National Security Council (NSC) Secretary-General Anusit Khunakorn told journalists on Tuesday, after the Cabinet's weekly meeting, that it is now in the process of considering candidates and the prime minister will then finally select the most suitable one to head the Thai government's negotiation team with representatives of insurgent groups in the Thai deep South, which is expected soon. Asked if General Aksara Kerdpol, the Royal Thai Army's Chief Advisor, and a former NSC secretary-general Thawil Pliensri were potential candidates, Anusit said the possibility has not yet been discussed and anyone who understands the prime minister's policies and can proceed the peace talks into a quick peace restoration in the troubled Thai far South are qualified to head the government's negotiation team. Asked about reports that Malaysia prefers a civil official to head the Thai government's negotiation team, the new NSC chief stated that Malaysia does not intervene in the appointment. (TNA)